The Living the Dream University student choice model
At Living the Dream University (LTDU), our Student Choice Model is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy, designed to celebrate diverse learning styles, dismantle systemic obstacles, and foster authentic mastery over mere compliance. This innovative model empowers students to demonstrate their understanding of course objectives through multiple pathways. Instead of rigid traditional assessments, students can select from various assignment options, including discussion posts, practical projects, presentations, reflective essays, creative works, or tailored assessments. This flexibility allows each student to choose methods that best align with their individual strengths and needs, giving them the agency to intentionally build their academic journey while consistently meeting our clear and robust academic standards.
Frequently asked questions about our student choice model
Discover more about how Living the Dream University's Student Choice Model empowers every learner. We believe education should adapt to you, not the other way around. Here are some common questions we receive about this transformative approach.
What exactly is the 'Student Choice Model' at Living the Dream University? How does it let students choose their learning and activities?
The LTDU Student Choice Model is a core instructional philosophy that enables students to demonstrate mastery of course learning objectives through multiple pathways. Rather than relying solely on traditional exams, students are offered a variety of assignment options for each objective, such as discussion posts, applied projects, presentations, reflections, creative work, or assessments. This allows them to select the method that best aligns with their strengths and needs, empowering them to intentionally build their grade and choose how they engage with course material while still meeting clearly defined academic standards.
Can you give us a simple example of how a student might use this choice model in their day or week?
Absolutely! Imagine a student in an "Introduction to Business" course. For the objective "Understand basic marketing principles," they might have several options: Option A: Write a traditional essay analyzing a marketing campaign. Option B: Create a short video presentation explaining a marketing concept using a real-world example. Option C: Design a mock social media marketing campaign for a local business. Option D: Participate in a graded group discussion debating ethical marketing practices. The student chooses the option that plays to their strengths, perhaps they excel at visual communication, so they choose Option B or C, rather than struggling with a written essay if that's not their preferred method of expression. This allows them to demonstrate mastery effectively and confidently.
How does the student choice model maintain academic rigor and high standards?
While offering choice, the model rigorously maintains high academic standards. All assignment options are carefully aligned to the same specific learning objectives and are evaluated using consistent, transparent rubrics. This mastery-based evaluation ensures that students must still demonstrate competency and understanding of the material. Choice simply provides multiple pathways to achieve that demonstration, rather than lowering expectations.
Why is offering choices so important for our students? How does it help them grow and succeed?
Choice is paramount because it supports diverse learners, honors neurodiversity, and reduces test anxiety, allowing students to showcase understanding in meaningful ways. It encourages intrinsic motivation, increasing engagement, persistence, and confidence as students are invested in their learning. This model also promotes equity and access by leveling the playing field, offering flexible demonstration of knowledge, and supporting students balancing various life demands, ultimately helping them thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
After someone reads about our 'Student Choice Model,' what's the most important thing you want them to feel or understand?
We want you to feel understood, valued, and empowered. The most important understanding is that Living the Dream University believes education should adapt to you, the learner. Our Student Choice Model is built on the principles of flexibility, dignity, and authentic mastery, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and demonstrate knowledge in ways that celebrate their unique abilities and prepare them to thrive. You should leave feeling hopeful and confident that LTDU is the right place for your educational journey.
Is this model only for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
While the Student Choice Model is particularly effective and beneficial for adult learners and students with intellectual, developmental, or learning disabilities, its principles support all diverse learners. By reducing test anxiety, honoring neurodiversity, and promoting intrinsic motivation, it creates a more inclusive and effective learning environment for everyone, reflecting LTDU’s broader mission of inclusive and accessible higher education for all students with varied cognitive, academic, and lived experiences.
Your learning, your way
At Living the Dream University, we believe your educational journey should be as unique as you are. Our Student Choice Model ensures you have the flexibility and support to learn, grow, and achieve your dreams on your own terms. Discover an education that empowers.