Event Reports
Research visit to Utrecht University
October 11-17, 2026
In October 2026, RESHAPE team member Anceli Kaveri spent a week visiting Utrecht University in the Netherlands, hosted by Assistant Professor Jacqueline Wong. During the visit, Anceli also met with RESHAPE collaborators, including Assistant Professor Anouschka van Leeuwen and Professor Jeroen Janssen. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen existing research connections, exchange ideas, and explore new possibilities for future collaboration.
One of the central themes throughout the visit was a fundamental question: What is learner agency in essence?
During a theme group meeting on Tuesday, Anceli shared her ongoing research and reflections on learner agency, sparking engaging discussions among researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds. The conversations explored different ways of understanding agency, including whether it is primarily about learners’ sense of ownership and capacity to act, or how agency is demonstrated through regulation and reflection in practice. The relationship between learner agency and self-regulated learning was also discussed.
These exchanges highlighted both shared interests and open questions surrounding the conceptualization of learner agency, particularly as education and AI continue to evolve. They also provided valuable perspectives for ongoing research within RESHAPE and opened opportunities for future collaboration.
Beyond theoretical discussions, the visit also involved conversations about how collaborative learning can be supported in practice. In particular, researchers reflected on the potential roles of AI and other digital tools in shaping current and future collaborative learning practices.
Another valuable experience during the visit was the opportunity to explore how communication and collaboration between different stakeholders can be supported in educational settings. On Wednesday, Anceli helped facilitate a student–stakeholder workshop organized by the SHIFT team, where students presented their ideas to company representatives and reflected on their experiences. The workshop offered insights into how students can engage with external stakeholders and build meaningful connections as part of their coursework.
RESHAPE warmly thanks Jacqueline Wong, the Department of Education at Utrecht University, the SHIFT team, and all the colleagues involved for their warm hospitality, insightful discussions, and support throughout the visit. The connections and ideas developed during the week provide a valuable foundation for continued research exchange and future collaboration.