The Power of Prioritizing Student Choice in the Classroom

The Global Focus on Student Agency

Schools are not the only entities considering the power of student agency. The Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD), representing 38 countries, has an initiative in place for the purpose of building student agency across cultures. Implementing student choice promotes engagement and ownership within the classroom, and has implications for students extending well beyond the classroom walls. Providing meaningful opportunities for students to make choices about when, where, how, with whom, what, and why they learn (see diagram) empowers them to excel as active, engaged learners. 

Crucial Role of Student Choice in Learning

Engagement, empowerment, and efficacy form the foundation of IDE Corp.’s vision for schools. Research shows that when students have a say in their learning process, engagement levels skyrocket. Student choice in classrooms today prepares learners for real-world challenges, developing crucial skills for adulthood. Supporting teachers in creating learning environments that leverage students’ unique strengths and interests is the key! 

Supporting Teachers in Promoting Student Choice

As the educational landscape has evolved, the diversity of experiences, needs, preferences, and profiles that students bring to the classroom has multiplied. Teachers are now confronted with the task of moving beyond the question of how to teach each student and, instead, focus on creating conditions that enable all students to learn. 

Equipping teachers with strategies to integrate choice empowers students while shifting the focus from teaching to learning. Whether it’s allowing students to select topics, choose project formats, create their own seating arrangements, or identify collaboration partners, these decisions empower students and contribute to a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. Our Professional Learning Experiences (PLEs) support teachers and equip them with the knowledge, tools, resources, and insights to foster student agency. 

Professional Learning That Models Student Agency and Choice

Our Professional Learning Experiences offer a comprehensive solution that supports educators with the knowledge and tools to prioritize student choice while at the same time engaging them in a learning environment that offers choice and agency for them as learners. Fostering Student Agency Through Differentiated Activity Lists is an online, on-demand resource designed to equip teachers with the tools and strategies needed for effective implementation. This professional learning resource provides insights into creating a classroom culture that values student input and encourages active participation. Educators gain valuable understanding about creating structures that facilitate student choice, including the design of differentiated activity lists and authentic learning. Teachers learn practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula, ensuring a smooth transition toward a more student-driven learning environment.

Take Action to Unlock Student Potential 

Are you ready to transform your school by redesigning classrooms into hubs of student engagement and choice? Reach out to us today to learn more about our Professional Learning Experiences. Explore the transformative impact of Fostering Student Agency Through Differentiated Activity Lists. Request a demo code and embark on a journey toward a more empowering and student-driven educational experience. Together, let’s prioritize student choice and unlock the full potential of every learner.