This semester, I am teaching two classes on migration: Sociology of Migration (SOC307) and Citizen and Migration (POL230). Both classes include what I've termed a "Flex Project". This flex project is based on giving students a choice in the project they choose to undertake and the idea that project-based learning results in better and richer learning. Students may choose from one of four possible projects:
- an interview assignment #Interview
- or a policy recommendation #Policy Recommendation
- or Weekly Reflection #Weekly Reflection
- or Deeper Look/Teaching Module #Deeper Look/Teaching Module
I'm very excited about this "flex project" because so much research has shown that students get more out of and learn more from completing projects that are genuinely of interest to them (Patall, Cooper, & Wynn 2010). I also decided to provide choices of assignment types because I didn't want to overwhelm students since too many choices may result in overload and lead to demotivation (see Iyenger & Lepper, 2000; Patall, Cooper, & Robins, 2008).
References:
- Student choice leads to more motivation and learning (Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Wynn, S. R. (2010). The effectiveness and relative importance of choice in the classroom. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(4), 896. )
- Too much choice can lead to decreased motivation & satisfaction (Iyengar, S. S., & Lepper, M. R. (2000). When choice is demotivating: Can one desire too much of a good thing?. Journal of personality and social psychology, 79(6), 995. )
- 3-5 options is the sweet spot (Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Robinson, J. C. (2008). The effects of choice on intrinsic motivation and related outcomes: a meta-analysis of research findings. Psychological bulletin, 134(2), 270.)
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