Why is choice important? (Allington & Gabriel, 2012) When students are interested in a topic, they will - Pay closer attention - Persist for longer periods of time - Learn more - Enjoy their involvement more - Giving choice (even when it seems irrelevant) enhances student interest
How can I design my class so that students have choice and are motivated? (Allington & Gabriel, 2012) - Fill the classroom with books at different levels - Introduce new books and display them in the classroom - Emphasize effort when completing work - Give students choices for HOW to complete their work - Engage students in authentic reading and writing tasks - Teach lessons that promote higher- order thinking skills - Use small groups for instruction - Do expressive read alouds
How can I provide choice for my diverse learners (ESOL, SPED, and economically disadvantaged)? "When ELLs are given opportunities to read books that relate to their cultures and their cultural background, then the experiences become more relevant to them" (Taboada, Gutherie, & McRae, 2007)
Five Ways to Promote Motivation and Choice (Taboada, Gutherie, & McRae, 2007) 1. Interest in Reading: Students enjoy texts more and have a deeper understanding when they are interested in the texts they read. 2. Mastery Goals: "When students read with the purpose of learning new material deeply because learning feels rewarding in itself, they are using mastery goals for reading." Help students to find topics they are interested in and then guide students in picking out books that will help support their learning goals. 3. Control and Choice: Motivation increases when students feel that they have control and choices. Give students choices that are academically relevant and personally meaningful. For some students, you may also need to scaffold choices. 4. Social Interaction:: Give students opportunities to interact over texts and writing. This not only makes learning more enjoyable, but also gives students an opportunity to discuss and understand texts and their own writing on a deeper level. 5. Self-Efficacy: Students who perceive themselves to be good readers are more likely to read more often and have positive reading experiences. Help students build self-efficacy by providing books that are on their level, teaching strategies to determine word-solving and promoting positive attitudes toward learning and reading within the classroom.