Student Choice Resource Library for Instructors

Overview

Giving students agency in their learning process can support their engagement and attainment of learning outcomes. This resource, co-designed by the Institute and undergraduate students at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, embraces one of several aspects of the Universal Design for Learning framework, integrating student choice (CAST, n.d.; Tobin & Behling, 2018). Instructors will explore a variety of “choice” guidelines or activities they can integrate within their course contexts. The intent is not for instructors to implement each one but rather select one or two to thoughtfully integrate into their course. Further, a recommended practice is to ensure that there is structured flexibility within each implementation effort such that students do not have choice overload, overriding the positive benefits of integrating student choice (Barua & Lockee, 2025).

Meet our student co-creators.

How to Use

• Consider which course areas are most promising for integrating student choice (e.g., guidelines, individual assignments, collaborative assignments, or assessment options). For existing courses, review course syllabi during the decision-making process.
• Examine the resource while focusing on the selected course areas. Choose one or more options or adaptations that offer the strongest fit for your specific needs.
• Integrate the choice option, obtain informal feedback from students, reflect on the implementation effort, and iterate as relevant.
• Contact the Institute at TeachingInstitute@rutgers.edu at any point to schedule a 1:1 consultation for further support on your choice activity.

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