What is it?
Providing multiple ways to respond means allowing learners to demonstrate understanding and participate using different communication and access methods. Responses might be spoken, written, typed, selected, drawn, signed, gestured, communicated through AAC, indicated with eye gaze, or demonstrated through movement or manipulation of materials. The response method can vary while the underlying learning goal remains the same.
How to use it?
Identify what the activity is actually intended to measure and separate that goal from the method traditionally used to respond. For example, if the goal is identifying the main idea, learners might speak an answer, select from choices, type a response, use AAC, or point to supporting information. Make response options available routinely and ensure learners know how to use them. Avoid requiring a particular response mode unless that specific skill is part of the learning goal.
Why use it?
A learner may understand a concept but be unable to demonstrate that understanding through the response method expected by the activity. Offering multiple ways to respond reduces barriers related to speech, handwriting, motor access, language, and other demands that may be unrelated to the learning goal. Flexible response options can provide a more accurate picture of what learners know while increasing participation across the classroom.
