IF YOU WANT TO:
Giving students at least one assignment which consists of five or six options.
One professor of English requires every student to write two essays on assigned topics. His third assignment, however, sets forth five or six options from which students may choose the one which sounds interesting and most allows them to do their best.
Examples of the options which he offers include: a piece of creative writing, a dramatic representation to be performed in front of the class (which can be a small group or team project); an original videotape to be shown to the class (which can also be a team effort); or a third essay (a "safe" option generally selected by the most conventional students). In addition, with the permission of the instructor, students can create their own option if they wish.
"More than five or six options tends to confuse many students; it makes it too difficult to decide," he believes. "Too few options, on the other hand tends to restrict unduly the more creative and daring students." Although the optional assignments must be related to the subject matter of the course, he encourages students to take an interdisciplinary approach and to link content and skills from other courses.
Limitations on Use of Suggestion
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