How Teachers Create Powerful Learning Experience with Student Voice and Joy

Think of a time when learning sparked joy. Maybe it was mastering a tricky math problem after lots of effort, diving into a science experiment with your friends, or discovering a new book that made your imagination soar. These joyful learning experiences are what stay with us, shaping how we approach challenges and opportunities in life.

In an education world that is always changing, what’s constant is that learning should be both effective and enjoyable. This means creating more engaging, authentic, and challenging learning experiences. These core principles of Powerful Learning are not just about academic growth—they help students develop a love for learning, spark curiosity, and support both personal and intellectual development. When learning brings joy, it becomes a lifelong journey, not just something you have to do.

Jennifer Park, an engineering teacher at Jean C. Young Middle School in Atlanta Public Schools, is an educator who truly embodies these principles. Ms. Park designs tech-driven, student-focused learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. These experiences prioritize student voice, creativity, and joy. What sets her approach apart is Ms. Park’s focus on making learning enjoyable and increasing student access to emerging technologies. She fosters a classroom environment where students feel excited to explore, collaborate, and push their boundaries. Her skill in blending challenging instruction with a fun, creative atmosphere keeps students engaged and motivated.

During the 2024-25 school year, Ms. Park’s students had the exciting opportunity to explore STEM in action through a series of monthly field trips throughout the greater Atlanta area. These field trips deepened classroom learning and sparked students’ curiosity. “I initiated the monthly field trips to foster excitement about learning among my students,” Ms. Park explained. “I want my students to understand that life extends beyond their neighborhood, and the world has much to offer. By teaching them the benefits of exploration and curiosity, I aim to help them grow and mature.”

From uncovering the wonders of geology and paleontology at the Tellus Science Museum, to experiencing the mind-bending concepts of perception and physics at Atlanta’s Museum of Illusions, and even diving into the innovative engineering and technology behind one of the most advanced sports venues in the world—Mercedes-Benz Stadium—each experience offered a unique lens into real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math, while expanding students’ awareness of local resources, careers, and opportunities.

“When selecting a field trip destination, I consider how it aligns with our technology or engineering objectives,” Ms. Park said. “I also evaluate whether the students will find the trip meaningful, relevant, engaging, and enjoyable.”

“During the planetarium show, I felt like a tiny little drone flying through space,” said one of Ms. Park’s students. “It was fun to be in there because I could even see how the carbon cycle helps sustain life on earth, but we have also got to be careful of global warming.”

“For years my family would drive past this big construction area on our way to church and I wondered what was being built and why it looked so weird,” said another. “Well, now I know. I learned that [Mercedes-Benz Stadium] is built that way to help the city of Atlanta by having solar panels and renewable energy sources that are conducive to the environment.”

Ms. Park’s trips did more than teach STEM concepts—they gave students a voice and a chance to connect their learning to the real world in meaningful ways. By amplifying student perspectives and providing hands-on, real-life experiences, Ms. Park is creating joyful, powerful learning moments that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and make education truly come alive. Ms. Park’s student-centered teaching approach has had a clear, positive impact on student learning. The takeaways and resources below can help support the implementation of these strategies in classroom practice:

As we continue to prepare our students for an increasingly digital world, equipping them with the skills they’ll need to thrive is only part of the work. By embracing the principles of Powerful Learning and prioritizing digital equity, we can collectively build educational environments like Ms. Park’s, where learners are centered, and cultivating a joy of learning is valued. Students and educators alike should feel empowered to exercise curiosity through real-world exploration, application, and a sense of play.

Explore the key takeaways and resources above to begin implementing more Powerful Learning opportunities in your own educational context, thereby inviting all learners to embark on a lifelong journey of joyful and powerful learning.

Thanks to Jennifer Park for her contributions to this blog post!