Duwe,+John+--+Choice+Theory

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 * Choice Theory **
 * Wiki by John Duwe **


 * Choice Theory is awesome, I think, because it helps satisfy my "Quality World," or my ideal conception of the world for which I strive. Choice Theory is a controversial theory proposed in the book by the same name by William Glasser, M.D. Glasser claims that all people are naturally curious and are constantly building their "Quality Worlds" every minute of their development. In order to children to build "Quality Worlds" that are uniquely tailored to their own personalities and interests, they need unfettered access to learning opportunities that they choose. Glasser states that if children are given the responsibility of choosing when, where, and how they will learn something, the learning will be more efficient, meaningful, and long lasting. Choice Theory is practiced in privately operated Sudbury Schools throughout the world. Sudbury Schools operate as true, direct democracies, where all community members (students, parents, staff) have equal vote in all school proceedings. **


 * In "regular" schools, choice theory can serve as a fundamental philosophy for classroom management. Students are the only ones who can control their actions, but they often need help becoming aware of their available options. **


 * The Top 5 Things I Learned: **
 * 1) ** Students are rational beings. They can control their own behavior. They choose to act the way they do. **
 * 2) ** Choice Theory fits nicely with my world view and teaching philosophy. **
 * 3) ** Glasser concedes that even when executed well, choice theory may leave up to 25% of students unproductive. **
 * 4) ** Glasser slams the psychiatry industry for pushing drugs on people who simply need to restore broken relationships. **
 * 5) ** Although Glasser's ideas are simple, they are closely guarded by an entrepreneurial endeavor. **


 * Top Resource: **

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 * This is an RSAnimate film about intrinsic motivation, which lies at the heart of Choice Theory: **


 * Other Resources: **


 * A good first information stop for a debriefing on the nuts and bolts of Choice Theory: **
 * [] **


 * Of course, you'd want to stop by Wikipedia to see what the people have to say: **
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 * A nice overview of Glasser's early work, which seems to be more straightforward: **
 * [] **


 * A nice overview of Glasser's theory with annotations by an aspiring teacher: **
 * [] **

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 * A model of student work with the teacher enthusiastically praising the wonders of student choice: **

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 * A nice explanation of the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: **

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 * A helpful, albiet creepy, animation illustration Maslow's Hiearchy of Needs. **

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 * A 4th grade teacher shows how she let the students design their classroom for maximal success: **