The Power of Student Choice: Empowering Students for Success
We all know that providing student choice can significantly impact our students’ success. When our students feel they have a say in their learning environment, they are more likely to follow directions, complete their work, and show respect to those around them. While I studied behavior in college and learned various classroom management strategies, one thing that consistently stands out is the power of integrating student choice into the classroom to help prevent power struggles.
The Power of Controlled Choices
Throughout my nearly 15 years of teaching, I’ve gained valuable insights into classroom behavior. Although I chose to pursue my principal certificate instead of becoming a certified BCBA, I’ve worked closely with BCBAs in my classroom. Along the way, I have learned a lot about what works when it comes to behavior management. One strategy that has made a significant difference is offering controlled choices. This approach is rooted in student choice and has been a game-changer when dealing with non-compliant students. Students often crave a sense of control, especially when they feel anxious. By providing students with choices in the form of controlled options, we empower them. This can lead to more positive outcomes in challenging situations.
What is a Controlled Choice?
Controlled choices are a valuable strategy in the classroom. They offer our students a sense of autonomy while guiding them toward positive behaviors and outcomes. Controlled choices can be integrated into various aspects of the school day. They can be used during activities, transitions, or social interactions. For example, students might be given the option to select materials for a project, decide the order of tasks, or even choose a friend to sit with at lunch.
The key to this approach is providing students with limited options. This allows them to feel a sense of control without being overwhelmed by too many choices. Research shows that when students feel empowered to make decisions, they are more likely to engage and stay on task. This student choice creates a sense of ownership over their environment. It can be especially motivating, encouraging students to participate more actively in their learning experiences.
How to Implement Student Choice
Starting student choice in your classroom can be simple yet effective. The key is to start small and gradually increase the choices you offer. One way I implement student choice is by giving students options in their daily tasks. For example, I might let them choose between different assignments that target the same learning objective or allow them to pick where they want to sit during independent work time. These choices may seem minor, but they give students control and ownership over their learning.
Another effective approach is to offer controlled choices during transitions or high-stress situations. When students feel anxious or resistant, giving them a few structured options, such as where to complete a task or which materials to use, can make all the difference. This helps them feel empowered while still guiding them toward the desired outcome.
Using visuals can also enhance student choice, especially for younger students or those who benefit from clear, concrete options. By displaying their choices visually through charts, picture cards, or digital tools, I make it easier for them to make decisions confidently and independently. I talk more about this later on in the post!
Ultimately, using student choice is about creating a balance between structure and autonomy. By providing choices that align with your classroom goals, you can help students take ownership of their learning. While doing so, you’ll be able to maintain a productive and positive environment.
Examples of Student Choice As Controlled Choices
When a student like Jesse is refusing to do their work, it can be frustrating. Instead of insisting they complete it in a specific way, try offering student choice through controlled options. For example, ask Jesse if they would prefer to complete the work with a pencil or pen. You might also ask if they would rather work at their desk or in a beanbag chair. By providing these choices, the work still gets done, but in a way that feels more acceptable and manageable to the student.
I’ve found that this strategy is particularly effective for students who crave control. By bringing student choice into their routine, students feel that they have a say in how things are done rather than just following directives. This approach isn’t just beneficial for the teacher-student dynamic. I also teach paraprofessionals to use this strategy. When paraprofessionals offer student choice through controlled options, they can guide students away from power struggles and prevent those high-stress meltdowns. It’s all about finding a balance between what needs to be done. It also gives our students some autonomy in how they do it.
Using Visuals to Help with Student Choice
Utilizing visuals for student choice strategies is incredibly effective, especially in high-stress situations. Visual aids provide clear, concrete options that help our students process their choices more easily. They reduce anxiety and promote a sense of control. In my classroom, I use visuals to present choices when students need a break. For example, I might display a simple chart or images allowing students to choose whether to take a break at their desk, move to a designated quiet corner, or use a sensory tool.
Visuals are helpful for students who struggle with verbal instructions or those who need a little extra support in making decisions. By visually presenting student choice options, I can help them feel more secure and confident in their decision-making, even during high stress. This approach also ensures that students understand their choices clearly and can make decisions more independently.
I encourage all my paraprofessionals and other staff members to use visuals when offering student choice. It’s a straightforward yet powerful way to reinforce controlled choices and avoid potential power struggles. Whether it’s through picture cards, posters, or digital displays, bringing visuals into your student choice strategies can make a big difference in how students respond and engage.
More Examples of Student Choice
Think about those tasks you don’t particularly enjoy, such as emptying the dishwasher. Even though it’s not something you want to do, having a choice can make it more manageable. You could empty the dishwasher while listening to your favorite music. You might choose to do it now or later, with the understanding that it must be done eventually. This same idea applies to our students in the classroom. By offering student choice in how or when tasks are completed, we give students a sense of ownership over their responsibilities.
Allowing students to make their own choices not only empowers them but also increases their willingness to engage with the work. When students feel they have some control over their tasks, they are more motivated to follow through. This doesn’t mean giving them complete freedom. It’s about offering structured choices that allow them to take responsibility in a manageable way. In my experience, student choice is a powerful tool for fostering independence and encouraging a positive attitude toward completing tasks.
Empowering Your Students With Student Choice
Establishing student choice in my classroom isn’t just about giving students options. It’s about empowering them to take control of their learning experience. When I provide structured choices, I allow my students to make decisions that matter. This helps them build confidence and independence. Student choice encourages a more engaging and supportive classroom environment. This could be through controlled choices, using visuals, or allowing them to take responsibility for how and when they complete tasks. By embracing this approach, I’m guiding my students academically and helping them develop essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
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