How do I help Students make Learning Choices?

Teachers who allow students a degree of choice in structuring their learning activities typically have fewer behavior problems in their classrooms than teachers who do not. Allowing students to exercise some degree of choice in their instructional activities can boost attention span and increase academic engagement.

Providing learning choices gives students a sense of autonomy and voice. When students are offered choices in structuring their academic activities, they frequently select those options that make their learning easier and more manageable.

One efficient way to promote choice in the classroom is for the teacher to create a master menu of options that students can select from in various learning situations. An instructor, for example, may teach the class that during any independent assignment, students will always have a chance to:

• Choose from at least 2 assignment options,
• Sit where they want in the classroom, and
• Select a peer-buddy to check their work.

Student choice then becomes integrated seamlessly into the classroom routine.

What are some of the learning choices that you can give students in your classroom?

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