Giving Students Choices (even incarcerated ones)

As educators, we know that students are more invested in their learning when they are given ownership over it. If you’re a parent, you know that our kids’ behavior is, let’s say, a little more palatable, when they have at least partial ownership over how their day goes. As human beings, we recognize the power of choice in our own lives. But when you've forfeited much of your personal agency by landing in jail, prison, or detention, choice isn’t always on the menu.

So what about choice menus in these settings? My team and I have introduced choice menus in various iterations in disciplinary alternative classrooms, jails, prisons, and of course traditional settings, all to great success. I’ve even used them for staff in a team setting and in training. There’s nothing better than choosing your own path to motivate learners, no matter who they are.

One of my favorite resources for choice menus is the fabulous Laurie Westphal. She has a series of guides that show you various menus, how to use each, the advantages of each, and great examples of items/activities to use. Menus are not only great for giving students (and staff) agency over their learning, they make differentiated instruction a breeze as learners choose the style of learning that best suits their strengths. It takes a lot of pressure off of you as well, as you can easily create an evaluation rubric for final analysis.

I’ve also introduced choice menus in behavioral frameworks in all of these settings as well. Yes, including incarcerated adults. Facility-wide, my team and I have implemented incentive menus for incarcerated individuals to incentivize pro-social behaviors. Working toward something you want, something you’ve chosen, is a pretty powerful tool in the behavior-modification tool belt.

Want to know more or explore how we can work together to incorporate choice menus into your classroom/team/organization? Contact us here. I trust that you’re having a wonderful Sunday morning (or had one if you’re reading on one of the other 6 days of the week) with your favorite beverage of comfort. Not judging you if it isn’t coffee. Ok. Maybe a little bit.

Tally ho!