Learning Menus
Learning menus outline a variety of instructional options targeted toward important learning goals. With learning menus, students are able to to select the choices for the activities that most appeal to them. The teacher directs the menu process, but the student is given control over his/her choice of options, order of completion, etc.
Some ways to incorporate learning menus are:
Menu assignments should be based off of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences: logical-mathematical, spatial, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential. When the assignments are centered around the different forms of intelligences, the students are given a variety of different opportunities to use their strengths to solve the problems they choose. Below is an example of a Learning Menu using Tic-Tac-Toe
Some ways to incorporate learning menus are:
- Menu: main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. All assignments on the main dish must be completed, the teacher sets the amount of sides dishes they must complete, and they have the option or not to complete the assignments on the dessert menu.
- Agenda: The teacher sets out a list of Imperatives, Negotiable, and Options. They follow the same criteria as listed in the menu option
- Tic Tac Toe: They complete a row, column, or diagonal line of activities.
Menu assignments should be based off of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences: logical-mathematical, spatial, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential. When the assignments are centered around the different forms of intelligences, the students are given a variety of different opportunities to use their strengths to solve the problems they choose. Below is an example of a Learning Menu using Tic-Tac-Toe
References:
Karnes, F. & Bean, S. (2009) Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted. Waco, Tx: Prufrock Press Inc.
Tic-Tac-Toe Menu Example by Dr. Katherine Brown, The University of Georgia.
Karnes, F. & Bean, S. (2009) Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted. Waco, Tx: Prufrock Press Inc.
Tic-Tac-Toe Menu Example by Dr. Katherine Brown, The University of Georgia.