“Using Choice as an Active Teaching and Learning Technique” is the title of the Lilly Conference online session I watched tonight. Tiffany Wigington is an Associate Professor at Tarleton State University along with Misty Smith, both in the Department of Social Work. Their objectives were to explore the use of choice in their curriculum. They noticed that integration of knowledge and choice theory were their approach to designing and implementing a learning model to increase engagement. Their theoretical underpinning was the integration of knowledge and the concept of choice theory. They took into account universal design for learning by paying attention to providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression. For the integration of knowledge, they tried to provide opportunities for the students in their program to make connections, transfer learning, integrate communication, and reflect. For choice theory, they lead in a way that students have choice in how they learn best and engage in the learning process. Their design relied heavily on UDL and aimed to provide choice of engagement, different ways of interacting with content and demonstrating knowledge and skills through different ways in which a student can express knowledge. Wigington and Smith implemented a “choose your own adventure” assignment model and choice for participation. Students also had an opportunity to reflect. I thought that having access to the flexibility of content was described nicely by the presenters. Wiggington spoke about how they worked with students and others to improve the course. One of the elements they included that was really useful was the use of Perusall to annotate socially. Learners had the option to use Perusall or another activity. I did not know that you could purchase textbooks via Perusall. They also offered prerecorded lectures. Their example had a digital whiteboard with handwritten notes on assessment. In another assignment, learners had interactive opportunities to offer their opinions and reflect on videos and other resources. Every student was required to attend the in-class lecture and had the choice of a learning model through the LMS, in their case, Canvas. The assignment options had different point values. They entitled it “Choose Your Own Adventure.” The presenters mentioned that many students attempted several activities. Student feedback was collected. One learner mentioned, “I felt in control of my learning” emphasizing that it made sense to them and benefitted from the approach. The interactive readings could be supplemented with discussion forums and video discussions. It was fun to learn what others are doing to provide choice. Their system used many elements we already use. I will have to think about the point system, too!
