Engaging students in the learning process not only boosts attention and critical thinking but also creates more meaningful learning experiences. At the same time, student agency – often reduced to voice and choice – goes much further: it empowers learning to take ownership, recognize their needs, and advocate for their success in and out of the classroom. This interactive session provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on current instructional practices, explore the intersection of engagement and agency, examine the conditions necessary to foster self-directed learners, and gain new strategies that promote active, student-driven learning.