This article will discuss the traditional college format and its recent transformation. It will address the changing role of both the college professor and the 21st century college learner. As society evolves, curriculum develops and new standards are introduced, there is a call for a shift from teacher-directed instruction to student-centered learning. This article specifically highlights strategies for empowering students to take charge of their own learning within the higher education classroom. These techniques include examples for teacher educators to employ as they serve as models to the pre-service teachers they instruct.