Documenting all learning in the 21st century is essential because it makes the learning process visible, meaningful, and shareable, allowing both students and educators to reflect on growth, articulate progress, and inform future learning decisions, especially in rural or tribal areas. By systematically capturing and documenting all aspects of learning (credit and non-credit alike to include things like student activities, after school programs, apprenticeships, internships, or things like 4-H and Future Farmers of America), education institutions can better support holistic student growth or skilling and ensure that learning is truly transformative.
Purposeful documentation goes beyond recording final outcomes; it captures the journey and begins to identify knowledge or skills gaps, which fosters metacognition and deeper understanding for educators or learner self-reflection. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning, enhances motivation, and enables them to see and celebrate their development over time. In the context of transformative student experiences, documentation helps create authentic, student-driven learning environments where learners engage actively, question assumptions, and connect theory with real-world application. Such experiences not only build critical thinking and adaptability but also cultivate a sense of agency, belonging, and lifelong learning skills—qualities crucial for success in a rapidly changing world.
References
The Learning Employment Record (LER) Accelerator
Employability Skills in Agriculture & Natural Resources – APLU
