Student Choice
The student choice strategy can positively influence students with low
motivation.
Student choice is rooted in the Self Determination Theory which explains that
students need a sense of control, a sense of purpose, and a sense of
competence for internal drive (Patall et al., 2010).
Providing students with choices can be helpful for students with low
motivation
and poor interest.
1. Who?
Consider
choices for student in terms of who
Providing choices to students
be the
easiest option to focus on one's
theymay
work
with.
autonomy.
2.
What? Students like to be able to choose what
content
or topic of
areas
they Choices
work on.
Examples
Student
3. When?
Providing options and flexibility for when parts
Choosing Seat in class or part of the room to complete work.
of assignments are due can be helpful. Not to be
How to access the restroom, without disrupting teacher.
mistaken for non-existent due dates.
The mode to participate in a learning activity.
4. Where? Allowing students to have choices for where
Choosing to work alone or with peer.
tasks are completed in the classroom is a helpful
Participate in developing classroom
rules/procedures.
choice.
5.
Offering
choices
related choices
to supplies. in the manner in which
How?
Offering
students
Choosing between
twonew
options
for homework.
present
learning
is a supportive choice.
Who can
choices be
used with?
Students
with
Learning
Disabilities
Students
with ADHD
Students
with
Emotional
Disturbance
References
Anderman, L., Andrzejewski, C., & Allen, J. (2011). How do teachers support students' motivation and learning
in their classrooms? Teachers College Record, 113(5), 969-1003.
Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (2012). Motivating boys to read: Inquiry, modeling, and choice matter. Journal of
Students
with Autism
Morgan, D. N., & Wagner, C. W. (2013). "What's the catch?" Providing reading choice in a high school
classroom. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 56(8), 659-667. doi:10.1002/JAAL.193.
Patall, E., A., Cooper, H., & Wynn, S., R. (2010). The effectiveness and relative importance of choice in the
All Students
Seo, S., Brownell, M. T., Bishop, A. G., & Dingle, M. (2008). Beginning special education teachers' classroom
reading instruction: Practices that engage elementary students with learning disabilities. Exceptional
Children, (1), 97-122.