Empowering Learners Through Reflection, Choice, and Participatory Practices: Innovative Approaches in Education

Session Type: Paper Session

Abstract

This session explores transformative educational approaches that center on reflection, collaboration, and student agency. We begin with a study examining the benefits of child-centered, choice-based classrooms, highlighting increased motivation, engagement, and self-directed learning. Next, we discuss the use of SWIVL technology to enhance pre-service teachers’ reflection and metacognition, showing how video analysis promotes deeper instructional insights. The third paper presents co-design methodologies in higher education, which empower students to take ownership of their learning through participatory, constructivist frameworks. Finally, the session concludes with an exploration of human-centered approaches to performance support in graduate education, emphasizing empathy, deep reflection, and real-world applications. Together, these studies provide practical strategies for fostering reflective, student-driven learning environments across educational contexts.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Constructivist Theory, Research, and Practice

Chair

• Annemarie B. Kaczmarczyk, Mercer University

Papers

• The Impact of a Child-Centered, Choice-Based Learning Environment on Student Attitudes and Learning - Brian A. Stone, Northern Arizona University; Jessica Beekman, Flagstaff United School District

• A Constructivist Approach: Using SWIVL Camera Technology for Preservice Teacher Reflection - Elizabeth Hammond, University of South Carolina - Beaufort; Amy Kunkle, University of South Carolina - Beaufort

• Cultivating Empathy and Ethics in Performance Support Education - Jonan Phillip Donaldson, University of Alabama - Birmingham; Joyce Bibi Katompa, University of Alabama - Birmingham

• From Theory to Practice: Co-Design in Contemporary Education - Joyce Bibi Katompa, University of Alabama - Birmingham; Jonan Phillip Donaldson, University of Alabama - Birmingham