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Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Teaching Prof Says Give Students a Choice in Assignments and Boost Creativity and Motivation

"Dan Pink, in his 2006 book A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future, indicates that autonomy, mastery, and purpose are qualities that motivate learners and result in achievement. Isn’t this what we desire for our students? When students are asked to interpret, construct, and demonstrate their own concepts or ideas regarding specific course concepts from a selection of product or performance options, content retention, commitment, motivation, and creativity increase. At least that’s what’s happened in my courses, and those outcomes are consistent with the principles of effective course design."

Looking for workable ideas for increasing student engagement and meaning-making? In this article, the "Teaching Professor" shows what can happen when students get to choose.  If you have any experiences of your own to share, add a comment!