Teachers are under immense pressure to meet state standards and ensure their students perform well on standardized tests. With the constant demand to achieve high scores, the focus often shifts toward "teaching to the test," leaving little room for creative teaching methods or student-driven learning. This pressure can create friction in classrooms where students are already disengaged, as it limits opportunities for them to explore learning in ways that suit their individual needs. For teachers, balancing the requirement of hitting academic benchmarks while keeping students interested and involved can feel like walking a tightrope, adding to an already overwhelming workload.
Students are expected to absorb tons of information, follow lessons taught, and complete assignments in specific ways. But what if they could be more than just passengers on the learning journey?
What if students could be the co-pilot in learning?
It might sound bold, but here’s the truth: if we want students to truly engage in learning, we need to give them a say in how they learn best.
Let’s talk about why—and how—this works.
1. Ownership Transforms Learning
When students feel like their opinions matter, something amazing happens—they take ownership. If you’ve ever given a student the chance to choose their project topic, you’ve likely seen the difference. They light up, dive in, and take pride in their work.
When someone becomes a decision owner, accountability naturally follows.
Making a decision means taking responsibility for the outcome, whether it's a success or failure. In an educational context, when students are given the power to make decisions about how they learn or complete assignments, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work. This sense of ownership leads to greater accountability, as they understand that the choices they make directly affect their progress. Decision ownership transforms passive participants into active contributors, fostering a sense of responsibility and personal investment in the results.
Imagine if we extended that idea to how they learn, too. Some students thrive with visuals; others are more hands-on. When you allow them to express how they best grasp new concepts, it gives them a stake in their education. They’re no longer just passive listeners. They’re decision-makers, taking charge of their own learning.
2. Feedback as a Two-Way Street
Students receive feedback on a daily basis. But how often do educators ask for feedback? And more importantly, how often do we actually listen?
Creating a space where students feel safe to share their thoughts—what’s working for them or what they don’t understand—can open up a whole new level of engagement. It’s not about losing control as a teacher. It’s about showing them that their voice matters. That their input can shape the way they learn.
When students see you take their feedback seriously, they feel more connected to the classroom environment. When students feel heard, they’re more likely to invest themselves in what’s happening in your class. This also empowers students to advocate for themselves and express what they need to succeed in their educational journey. By encouraging them to voice their learning preferences and experiences, you're teaching them the valuable skill of self-advocacy.
As they learn to speak up for what supports their growth, they not only become more engaged but also develop the confidence to navigate future academic and personal challenges.
3. Value Different Learning Styles
We all know that everyone learns differently, including you and me. So why should every assignment look the same for students? By offering them options—whether it’s through visual presentations, creative projects, or written work—we acknowledge and respect those differences. Now, you might be thinking, "Where am I supposed to find the extra hours for this when I barely have enough time as it is?" The good news is that giving students choices doesn’t have to add to your workload. In fact, it can make assignments more meaningful, leading to fewer frustrations and greater engagement, which can actually save you time in the long run.
Let’s say you’re teaching a science concept. Some students might grasp it best through diagrams and charts, others might need to get their hands dirty with an experiment, and a few might need to talk it through in groups. Offering choices in how they engage with the material and show their understanding can completely shift the dynamic.
Allowing options with homework assignments is a great way to empower students and promote accountability. For example, instead of assigning the same assignment to everyone, give students the choice to write a paper, produce a presentation, or research related topics that align with the main lesson. By offering these options, students can choose the method that best suits their strengths and learning styles. This not only fo