the Philosophy of Choice in Learning and Motivation and Its Effects on Student Engagement and Motivation
This literature review discusses the philosophy of choice in learning as it relates to student engagement and motivation. With increasing numbers of students losing enthusiasm for learning in traditional school environments where adult ideals are often imposed upon children, teacher implementation of choice has emerged as a method of enhancing student engagement and motivation. This research identifies the impact that choice in learning has on student engagement and motivation in the elementary classroom and proposes methods for offering choice to children. As students assume control of their learning, they become engaged and motivated as active participants in the learning process. Teachers can offer choice in activities, social configurations, reading materials, assessment, and other areas. Although the cognitive learning benefits of choice have not been substantiated in the research, the positive impact of the philosophy of choice on student engagement and motivation is important in helping children develop into lifelong learners.
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