Guide Choice
With the technique, Guide Choice, rather than give students a free choice as to where they start in a task or when to move on (for example, when using the Chilli Pepper Challenge or Pick and Mix techniques), you provide a specific steer, based on evidence of previous performance. For example, you might say:
‘If you have had success with this, start with this…’
‘If you don’t feel confident about this, try this first…’
Why use this technique?
Sometimes, students make poor choices about where to start in a task themselves. For example, they start with something that is too easy or difficult, or they move on too slowly or too quickly. Guide Choice can help address this.
The technique can also be useful if you are struggling to get a student to engage with a particular task. Rather than keep insisting they do something, instead, you offer a choice. For example, you might say, ‘You choose if you want to start with [this] or [this], but after 15 minutes, I’d like to see you working on [this]’. Having a choice can help give students a greater sense of ownership and enhance motivation.
Notes and tips
When you Guide Choice, focus on evidence of prior performance, rather than a hunch of what you think students can or can’t do. A common pitfall in teaching is that we make ability assumptions that lead to lower levels of challenge than students are capable of.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?