DO STUDENTS LEARN MORE WITH CHOICE?
What New Research Says About Meaningful Assessment
Excellent Educator, 3(11), 5-6, 2026
WHAT RESEARCH FOUND
Authentic assessment is often associated with real-world tasks. However, researchers found that students frequently valued something else even more: choice. In a study examining highly engaging assessments, students reported stronger engagement when they could choose topics, formats, approaches, or products.
While real-world relevance remained important, many students emphasized the motivational benefits of ownership and personal interest. Choice helped students connect learning to their own goals and experiences. Researchers argue that assessment should not only imitate professional tasks but also create meaningful learning experiences that actively engage students.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Assessment often focuses on measuring learning after instruction. Yet well-designed assessment can also become a powerful learning experience.
CLASSROOM REALITY
| Teachers Want | Students Often Experience |
| Engagement | Compliance |
| Creativity | Uniform tasks |
| Ownership | Limited choice |
| Meaningful learning | Assignment completion |
TRY TOMORROW
- Offer two assessment formats.
- Allow topic selection when possible.
- Include student interests in task design.
- Invite reflection on learning choices.
CAUTION
Choice should remain purposeful. Too many options can overwhelm students.
ONE KEY TAKEAWAY
Students are more engaged when assessments provide meaningful opportunities for choice.
Keywords: assessment, student engagement, authenticity, choice
Reference:
Quinlan, K. M., Sellei, G., & Fiorucci, W. (2025). Educationally authentic assessment: Reframing authentic assessment in relation to students’ meaningful engagement.