Tutorials and lectures: Student autonomy
Offer assessment and workflow choices so students leverage their strengths and develop expert-learner attributes.
Provide flexible ways to demonstrate learning
- Offer a multi-format assessment menu—essay, podcast, infographic—ensuring equivalent rigour and a single clear rubric17.
- Let students choose their topic: for example, you could supply several case-study options and allow selection by interest.
Offer flexibility in how students work
- Where compatible with the learning activity, offer flexibility for students to work individually or in groups—adjusting expectations accordingly. In strongly collaborative formats, clearly communicate why group participation is essential.
- Encourage students to set personal learning goals related to tutorial topics or desired skills, supporting growth into “expert learners—purposeful & motivated, strategic & goal-directed
Establish policies built on trust
- Approve self-certified 48-hour extensions via a simple, confidential online form10
Why it matters—Choice and trust foster support, acceptance, and motivation, reducing anxiety and valuing diverse minds. Additionally, some students have formal learning access plans, but many do not—whether due to late diagnosis, temporary challenges, or language barriers. Inclusive strategies like flexible deadlines or accessible materials support the whole class, not just a few. Where possible, make these options available to everyone to reduce gatekeeping and promote equitable learning.
Downloads and links
