| The decisions that you have your students do in Quandary
are crucial. Most of the real learning that might take place while using a
maze occurs while students are making the decisions. A decision that is
obvious or too easy will not result in much meaningful learning. On the
other hand, a decision that requires consideration or that brings to bear
various kinds of information from the student's earlier learning will lead
to deeper thought processes and better learning. The decisions in your
maze should have the following characteristics:
- There should be a limited number of them.
- That number, however, should not be artificially limited. You should
try to include all reasonable choices at every decision point.
- They should be clearly stated. Unless you are teaching language
concepts, you should not be trying to trip up students with choices that
are complexly written.
- There can be a great deal of overlap among the decisions, if you are
trying to get the students to notice subtle differences. At the same time,
the decisions should be mutually exclusive.
- It is acceptable to include decisions that draw on prior learning and
concepts.
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