What is Learning Power?

The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant”. Fast-forward 2,500 years and Heraclitus’ statement is more relevant than ever.

Today, the world is changing at an unprecedented rate and you need to learn and develop skills essential in the 21st century. You need to be equipped with the knowledge and characteristics that will prepare you for lifelong learning in a constantly evolving and complex world. How are you meant to thrive in a world filled with uncertainty, risk and change?

The answer is to build your Learning Power.

Woman working on laptop

Think of your Learning Power as the fuel that drives you on your learning journey. Your Learning Power helps you adapt in the face of uncertainty, risk and change and can help you mindfully transform challenging situations into positive growth and wellbeing. It improves your potential to achieve your goals and define your purpose. It improves your potential to succeed.

There are eight dimensions of Learning Power, and these are the areas you can build on to help boost yourself along on your journey. These areas are Mindful Agency, Hope and Optimism, Sense Making, Creativity, Curiosity, Collaboration, Belonging, and Orientation to Learning. Your Learning Power Profile will help you understand your unique Learning Power and help you move forward on your Learning Journey.

How do we change as learners?

Developing your Learning Power is one of four processes in the Learning Journey that interconnects your sense of identity and purpose with your achievement and performance.

Student mapping a process on the wall using post it notes

Learning Power is the way in which we regulate the flow of information and energy we encounter as we seek to achieve a particular purpose. We hardly notice learning when we are doing it. Learning Power helps us to become mindfully aware of our identity and purpose and to consciously identify, select and re-structure information in order to achieve something that matters. That way we can become more flexible, ready and agile in learning and change throughout our personal and professional lives.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.