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Identify one or two ways you can, as Dr. Black says, “build a structure [in your classroom] that also has a level of flexibility.”
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I give the students choices, but with structure. For example, if we are learning addition, they may have the choice to play a game, do white boards, or practice facts on the computer.
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As a graphic design teacher, I do my best to have a few open ended projects, where students can choose how they want to accomplish their certain project. I believe this allows students to feel more attached and responsible for their projects.
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If I am teaching a unit on nutrition for example and the students need to understand their macronutrients which are carbohydrates, proteins and fats, I will give them opportunities to work in small groups with open ended questions to share, illustrate nutrition groupings of foods or bring in visual aids to share their findings about their food groups. I enjoy offering opportunities for students to be creating within a framework.
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Giving options for assessment, such as a paper or a project, helps the student gravitate toward their strengths and feel part of the decision-making process while also assessing mastery of the subject.
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I often give students options for how they want to practice a concept on any given day. I have a plan for what we need to cover and ideas for different ways for them to achieve mastery. Additionally, for certain units or classes, I offer alternate forms of assessment so that it isn’t always a written exam.