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How does choice theory impact student learning?
Choice theory in education provides an intrinsic model of teaching and learning that is focused on increasing students’ self-understanding and their ability to evaluate their choices and schoolwork for quality and effectiveness. Choice Theory® is based on the simple premise that every individual only has the power to control themselves and has limited power to control others. Applying Choice Theory allows one to take responsibility for one’s own life and at the same time, withdraw from attempting to direct other people’s decisions and lives. Applied learning theories directly impact a classroom experience in a variety of ways, such as: Providing students with structure and a comfortable, steady environment. Helping educators, administrators, students and parents align on goals and outcomes. People weigh their options and make the choice they think will serve them best. How individuals decide what will serve them best is dependent on personal preferences. For example, one individual may decide that abstaining from smoking is best for them because they want to protect their health.
How does choice making influence the behavior of students in the classroom?
Research has shown that choice-making opportunities are effective in reducing problem behavior and increasing task engagement. As a preventive intervention, choice making enables students to participate in activities, including non-preferred or less preferred activities. “Choice in the classroom has been linked to increases in student effort, task performance, and subsequent learning,” Marzano writes in his blog. Student choice enhances students’ excitement about topics, curriculum, and their interests. Creativity is an essential skill for our youth, and these experiences increase their imagination. They discover powerful skills and increase their interests. These types of choices allow more meaningful learning to occur. The idea of the principle of choice is when the individual student has a role in making choices about their settings for learning. Having this choice makes the student feel big in comparison to the institution as more choices are available and settings become less prescriptive.
What does choice theory look like in the classroom?
In a choice theory-based classroom, students should largely be allowed to make their own choices about what to learn, and they should be encouraged to explore new topics. According to choice theory, almost all behavior is chosen, and we can only control our own behavior. Although everyone has all 5 of these needs, the drive for love and belongingness tends to be the most important. William Glasser coined the term “choice theory” in 1998. In general, this theory states that all we do is behave. Glasser suggests that almost all behavior is chosen, and we are driven by genetics to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom and fun. Classroom management can be done in four different ways: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and indulgent.