Co-Creation as a Teaching Strategy to Encourage Student Engagement

Nikki Candy 

Co-creation refers to the meaningful collaboration between teachers and learners. As part of a project-based learning program, Grade 9 students were asked a simple question: “If you could do anything, what would you do?” What followed offered valuable insights into how projects are structured and the differing perceptions between students and teachers. The responses revealed important themes around student engagement and motivation—two essential components of meaningful learning. The research also highlighted a strong link between student autonomy and motivation, demonstrating that while learners thrive when given freedom, this autonomy must be carefully scaffolded to be effective. These findings prompt a reconsideration of how educators approach classroom design, student agency, and the balance between guidance and independence. This presentation explores these results, showing how co-creation can serve not just as a teaching strategy, but as a catalyst for increased motivation and more authentic student involvement in shaping their educational experiences.

*Please bring your notebook and stationery along to this session.