Why electives

Across the nation, student choice ranked high in results. Yet this very quality—student choice—seems to be one of the factors that make electives vulnerable. For many schools, budget cuts and an ebb and flow of educational funding are par for the course. For many, that means electives.

However, I want to push back on this notion that electives are somehow expendable. In fact, some might argue they are just as vital as core content classes.

Students also reported in the nationwide survey I conducted that they need to be more connected to the adults on campus. We talk so much about differentiating students, but we need to differentiate teachers and schools too.

It helps our students to connect with school if they learn that there are many diverse personalities on hand for them to learn from. Electives, many times, reflect the interests of the teachers that teach them as well as the students that choose them. Hu, W. High schools add electives to cultivate interests. The New York Times. Rambo, E.

Why electives matter. Education Week Teacher. She spent over three years in higher education developing resources and helping students succeed in online courses. Why Take Electives? To Learn About the World Not only do electives help students develop their skills and better understand themselves, but they also help students better understand the world around them.

To Throw Some Fun into a Busy Schedule Taking electives creates a richer learning experience while also helping to break up an otherwise rigorous schedule or reengage students in school. Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics. About the Author. View all posts. The Power of Adaptive Learning. Start your Degree Program Now. Get a Laptop. Select an Area of Study. No Yes. Take the Next Step.

Apply Now. Need help? Reach an Admissions Representative. Close Start Chat. Why are electives important and how should I choose them? Grantham Academics.