Empowering Student Ownership with Studio Experts in Blended Learning

Blended learning offers educators a dynamic way to engage students through small group instruction, independent practice, digital content, and hands-on activities. But one of the most powerful elements of a successful blended learning environment is empowering students to take ownership of their learning. A highly effective strategy for achieving this is by deploying Studio Experts.

​What Are Studio Experts?

Studio Experts are designated student leaders in each learning studio who help their peers during a blended learning session. These students are equipped with special Studio Expert Cards, which provide them with guidelines and responsibilities. They wear light-up lanyards so that their peers can easily identify them.

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​The Role of Studio Experts

• Answering Questions: Studio Experts help their peers by answering content-related questions, providing guidance, and offering peer support without disrupting the teacher’s small group session.
  
• Fixing Tech Issues: If a student is having trouble with a digital resource or a minor technical issue, Studio Experts can help troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
  
• Promoting Independence: By encouraging students to seek help from Studio Experts first, you build a culture of peer support, allowing the teacher to focus on delivering targeted instruction in small groups.
  

​Why Studio Experts Increase Student Ownership

Studio Experts transform the classroom dynamic by shifting some of the responsibility for learning to the students themselves. This approach builds confidence in students who serve as experts and encourages their peers to take initiative. It also reduces interruptions to the teacher’s small group instruction time, leading to a more effective and efficient learning environment.

​How to Set Up Studio Experts in Your Classroom

1. Choose Your Experts: Rotate students as Studio Experts so that everyone has the opportunity to develop leadership skills.
2. Provide Studio Expert Cards: Equip your experts with Studio Expert Cards, which clearly outline their roles and responsibilities. You can purchase our ready-made Studio Expert Cards for just $1.99 at Blended Learning PD Store.
3. Use Light-Up Lanyards: Ensure your Studio Experts are easily identifiable with light-up lanyards. This allows other students to quickly recognize who they can turn to for help. Amazon Link
4. Train Your Experts: Spend a few minutes at the start of each blended learning session reminding the Studio Experts of their roles and modeling how they should support their peers.

​Transforming Student Learning One Studio at a Time

Studio Experts are a simple yet powerful strategy for increasing student ownership and agency in a blended learning classroom. By giving students the opportunity to lead, support, and guide their peers, you foster a culture of independence and accountability.
Want to try Studio Experts in your classroom? Check out our ready-to-print Studio Expert Cards for just $1.99 here. Empower your students to take ownership of their learning journey today!