Dr. Mike Simmons
Associate Executive Director for Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
“Creating a Student Narrative: Metacognition as the Holy Grail of Education”
In this transformative era, student success is being redefined by the dynamic interplay of learning mobility, practical utility, and the compelling narrative that emerges. Every individual possesses a unique story, and the profound mission of higher education has always been to cultivate metacognition—the invaluable ability of students to reflect upon, guide, and articulate their own learning journey. This is the 'holy grail' we strive for: creating an environment where learners can seamlessly document, verify, and leverage every experience—academic, co-curricular, and professional—throughout their entire journey, guided by dedicated people and empowered by innovative systems. It's a learner-centered approach that is interoperable, inherently valuable, and designed to dismantle barriers that currently hinder the learning experience. Institutions have the power to build more inclusive, transparent systems, break down these barriers, and ultimately help every student thrive, regardless of their background. Students are not just recipients; they are the co-authors of their own success.
