Offering multiple pathways for students

Students bring different strengths, experiences, and ways of processing information into our classrooms. When courses offer multiple ways to engage with content, participate, and demonstrate learning, students are better able to build understanding and demonstrate what they know. These choices support access while maintaining clear expectations and academic standards.

Do one thing

Choose one small way to expand access by offering flexibility.

1. Multiple Ways to Build Understanding
   • Offer content in more than one format (e.g., brief text plus video or visuals).
   • Provide guiding questions or focus prompts to support reading or viewing.
   • Connect new concepts to examples, applications, or case studies.
   • Clearly identify key ideas students should focus on when engaging with materials.
2. Multiple Ways to Participate
   • Offer more than one way for students to contribute (spoken, written, chat-based, small group).
   • Use low-stakes check-ins (polls, reflections, exit tickets) to support engagement.
   • Build in think-time before asking for responses in class or online.
   • Allow students to participate asynchronously when possible.
3. Multiple Ways to Show Learning
   • Offer two options for one assignment that assess the same learning outcomes.
   • Use checkpoints or scaffolding to support progress on larger projects.
   • Provide practice opportunities before graded assessments.
   • Share clear criteria or rubrics to make expectations transparent.

You don’t need to provide every option, but each additional pathway can help make learning more accessible for all students.

Reach out to your local Center for Teaching and Learning and to the College Digital Accessibility Committees for tools, techniques, and support in sharing the work across courses and departments.