Choose Your Own Adventure: Implementing a Student-Centered Learning Activity via Collective Topic Selection

Abstract

Though there are numerous student-centered learning approaches, many are plagued by complications related to implementation. This article introduces a simplified student-centered learning activity. With “Choose Your Own Adventure,” the students themselves selected a topic of study in an introductory public affairs course. Students anonymously suggested topics, reviewed options as a class, and voted on their preferred choice around mid-semester. This topic was then examined at the end of the semester. Students read assigned materials on the selected topic, engaged in class discussions, and completed a final assignment synthesizing their learning. Students responded enthusiastically to the approach and appreciated having autonomy in their learning. On standardized university course evaluations, students in the topic-selection section showed notably higher satisfaction with course organization and engagement with materials compared to a traditional section. The approach is simple to implement and adaptable across various course contexts.