Heroes Within: A Framework for Empowering Students to Own Their Learning Journeys

by Aaron Hansen

Too often, students sit compliantly in class and aren’t engaged in the learning. Acclaimed speaker and author Aaron Hansen uses compelling stories and a step-by-step framework to help educators become hero makers. These powerful classroom mentors empower students to break free of their self-limiting stories and fixed mindsets and experience a new story of hope, self-efficacy, and ownership as heroes of their learning journeys.




This book will help K–12 teachers and collaborative

Access templates and tools to guide metacognitive reflection and assist in students’ self-assessment
Be reinspired and rejuvenated in their calling as teachers by true stories of transformation that every educator can relate to
Select relevant content with real-world applications that boost student engagement
Build self-efficacy and ownership of learning in all students
Learn how to use the simple six-step framework for empowering (1) clarify learning goals, (2) establish trusting relationships, (3) choose worthy content, (4) facilitate student self-assessment, (5) encourage metacognition, and (6) develop a vision for their future



Stories, Journeys, Heroes, and Hope

Chapter 1: Step 1—Clarify Learning Goals

Chapter 2: Step 2—Leverage Relationships of Trust to Help Students Overcome Fear

Chapter 3: Step 3—Select Worthy Content to Help Students Develop Skills

Chapter 4: Step 4—Encourage Facilitated Feedback and Self-Assessment

Chapter 5: Step 5—Encourage Metacognition

Chapter 6: Step 6—Help Students Find a Compelling Vision

Chapter 7: Hero-Maker Framework Tasks

Epilogue

References and Resources

Index

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Jeffery Nowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm bought in! I cannot recommend this book enough. If you truly care about your students, you need to read this book. Then, take the leap and implement the practices explained and watch your students conquer their dragons and ultimately come out victorious.


I started reading this book after he came and spoke at my school. His story and reasoning resonated with me so I knew I had to give this a try. As I read and implemented (and continually implement) his suggestions for helping students become the heroes of their own stories, I am blown away that this has not caught on with more educators. Using his suggestions to empower students in taking ownership of their learning, my students are noticeably more concerned about their learning, not just a grade or a score.

[Lindsay Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great PD book (or group book study) for classroom teachers looking time implement more goal setting and student ownership practices. It has some practical ideas and inspiring stories. Definitely recommend.

[Jessie Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good PD book. I read this in anticipation of him speaking at our school district. I think he has some great suggestions. It will be interesting to hear him speak.