“Owning Your Learning: Why It Matters and How to Support It

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

This adage perfectly captures the essence of education: it’s not just about providing answers but empowering students to find them on their own. In today’s world, students don’t need to hunt for survival, but they do need to master the art of learning—because that’s what truly sustains them.

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve learned that owning my education is about more than just showing up. It’s about being present, curious, and ready to engage. No matter how brilliant your teacher is, if you’re not mentally there, the classes won’t stick. I learned this the hard way.

When I first started at WSU, I was juggling a lot—fixing up a motorbike, getting my licence, and commuting from the Blue Mountains to the Nirimba campus each day. One morning  I crashed my bike on my commute. I was back in class the next week, but everything felt off. I was physically there but mentally checked out, even in one of my favourite subjects. My teacher noticed and asked me a simple, yet profound question: “what can I do to make you want to be here?”.

That question hit me like a ton of bricks. I realised that no matter how good my teacher was, I wasn’t fully present because of what was happening in my life. It was a wake-up call: owning my learning meant making the choice to engage, even when life wasn’t perfect.

“Owning Your Learning” is about choosing to bring your best self to the your learning, no matter the circumstances. It’s about being engaged, curious, and ready to absorb knowledge. But let’s be real—students come from all walks of life, each with their own challenges. This is where staff support becomes crucial. A student’s ability to own their learning often hinges on the environment and encouragement they receive.

So, how can staff help students own their learning? Here are three key ways:

1. Set clear expectations

What do you need from your students? Be clear about what you expect—whether it’s active participation, thoughtful discussion, or attentive listening. Clarity paves the way for engagement.

2. Understand their expectations

What do your students expect from the class? Encouraging them to reflect on why they’re there not only reinforces their commitment but also gives you insight into their needs and motivations.

3. Cultivate a safe and supportive environment

Foster a classroom where students feel safe to ask questions, share ideas, and engage without fear of judgment. Respectful communication and a stable learning environment can make all the difference.

For me, the invitation to own my learning is like a “fluid dichotomy”. It requires students to step up and take charge, but it also asks staff to create and sustain an environment to support and nurture that growth.