Giving students the opportunity to make their own choices in the classroom will help increase classroom engagement and help them meet their individual learning needs.
According to Parker, F., Novak, J, & Bartell, T. (2017), “Students feel autonomous when they understand the value or relevance of a task, particularly if they believe that the task aligns with their values, interests, and goals. It comes not just from participating in the process of choosing but, rather, from having a sense that the choice is personally meaningful.” The choice itself may not be as important as the student having rational of why the choice is relevant to their own individual beliefs.
It goes without saying that rules and boundaries in the classroom are needed and are essential. However, giving students at-least one classroom activity where they have a voice helps them explore their academic activity and work on their decision making skills.
HERE ARE A FEW ACTIVITIES TO IMPLEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM THAT CREATE CHOICE FOR YOUR STUDENTS:
When assigning your classroom projects, give your students the choice on whether they would like to work by themselves or with a group.
Allow students to vote on what reading material they would like to read for the week.
Occasionally allow students to choose their homework assignment
Help students set learning goals for themselves at the beginning of the school year and evaluate and access those goals mid point and at the end of the school year.
Have you tried this concept in your classroom. Tell us about it below!
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