Student Agency in Higher Education: Concepts, Practices, and Future Directions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54518/nes.4.1.2026.1446Keywords:
Student Agency, Learner-Centered Learning, Students as Partners, Curriculum Co-Creation, Learner Empowerment, Higher EducationAbstract
Student agency has become a key principle of learner-centered higher education, emphasizing students' active participation, autonomy, and shared responsibility in learning. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA 2020 framework to examine student agency in higher education. Studies published between 2021 and 2025 were synthesized using a framework-based thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: the evolution of student agency, conceptual frameworks, educational practices, educational outcomes, and future directions. The findings indicate that student agency extends beyond learner autonomy by integrating learner ownership, partnership, empowerment, and institutional engagement. Student-centered learning, curriculum co-creation, students-as-partners initiatives, and learner-centered assessment enhance engagement, self-regulated learning, and graduate readiness. The review highlights student agency as a strategic foundation for advancing learner-centered and sustainable higher education.
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