The role of adults in

self-driven learning  

How adult support can ​​​​​​​propel​ youth thriving, if done mindfully  ​

The interaction of GripTape Challengers with supportive adults, known as “​Ch​ampions,“ helps young people become more engaged, confident, and proactive in their learning journeys.

Teens ​are ​often in environments where grown-ups decide what and how they learn, leaving them feeling powerless, bored, and disconnected. Rather than giving advice, Champions offer support that empowers Challengers to practice agency and make their own decisions. Check-ins serve as valuable moments for reflection. Challengers show gains in sense of purpose, identity clarity, and self-esteem on days they meet with their Champion.

Additional research shows 97% of participants value the support, and 92% assert that the Champions are significantly motivating.

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Curious about Connection? Hear Mica reflect on her Learning Challenge experience and the supportive role her Champion played:

Highlights

1..Champions increase self-esteem and purpose in youth  

Champions aren’t​ guides or teachers​ but supportive figures who help young people feel ​seen and heard. This support boosts teens’ self-esteem and strengthens their sense of purpose. Meetings with Champions often leave youth feeling motivated and excited to ​make more progress.​​

2. Speaking on the same level 

Working with ​C​hampions ​helps​ break down barriers between youth and adults. ​After their experiences with Champions, y​oung people report feeling more comfortable around adults, including teachers.  

3. ​​​​​Progress over perfection

 

​​Champions don’t provide advice or instructions; instead, they demonstrate genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions and learning alongside the youth. Challengers engage with Champions on their own terms, prioritizing their personal growth rather than treating meetings as deliverables.

4. ​​​​​From Challenger to Champion  

​​​Inspired by their experiences at GripTape, many alumni lead personal projects that reflect the Learning Challenge model. They become informal champions, sharing their knowledge with peers, younger siblings, and their communities. Some even step into the role of Champion at GripTape. ​​​​ 

References

1.Ratner, K., Zhu, G., Li, Q., Estevez, M., & Burrow, A. L. (2023). Interacting with supportive adults predicts greater same-day psychosocial functioning among adolescents in a self-driven learning program. Journal of Adolescence. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/jad.12149  

2. Gaoxia Zhu & Anthony L. Burrow (2023) Gains in youth resilience during self-driven learning may be moderated by their pathways to purpose, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 18:6, 841-852, https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2022.2119813 

Dive into our other dimensions!

Still curious about the impact of Griptape’s self-learning program? Explore how it empowers individuals to reach new heights in knowledge and skill mastery. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see how our innovative approach is shaping the future of learning!

AUTONOMY

When young people are able to exercise their agency—by choosing projects, setting personal goals, and directing their learning—they develop   self-motivation and resilience. Explore how GripTape fosters young people’s autonomy.

WELL-BEING

Empowering young people to pursue their passions within a community of their peers enhances happiness and confidence. Discover how GripTape’s model can make a lasting impact on well-being.

COMPETENCE

Building confidence in young people’s abilities encourages their sense of motivation to pursue their passions and strengthen their skills. Learn more about the impact of empowering young people to reach their full potential.