Welcome to the 2021 Senior Legacy Symposium!
One aspect of education that continues to be salient for educators is the notion of student engagement. This action research examines the effects on student engagement in the classroom when children are provided with specific yet significant choices. In addition to an extensive literature review, I have collected surveys and anecdotal notes from students in my student teaching experience in a K-5 resource special education setting. Through this literature and my own lived experiences, I support the argument that there can be improvement in student engagement when students are offered autonomy over their learning, so long as those options are meaningful to each individual child. There are many simple ways that educators can begin implementing small choices in their individual classrooms.
Ella is a graduating senior from Peoria, IL studying Elementary and Special Education. Following graduation, she plans to teach at the elementary level in the St. Louis area. Ella has truly loved her time at SLU and is so grateful for all of the experiences and growth that she has had the opportunity to pursue.
Ella would like to thank Dr. Jessica Leonard for her support in finalizing the project, as well as Dr. Joy Voss and Dr. Diane Richter for sharing their knowledge and helping her to grow as a special educator.