Presenter and Advisor Information

Matthew Wegh, Illinois Wesleyan University

Submission Type

Event

Faculty Advisor

Leah Nillas

Expected Graduation Date

2018

Location

Foyer, State Farm Hall

Start Date

4-21-2018 11:00 AM

End Date

4-21-2018 12:00 PM

Disciplines

Education

Abstract

Motivated students are far more likely to learn, but it can be difficult when students’ interests and inspirations all differ. One of the most effective ways to improve student motivation and attainment in the classroom is by giving students choice in assignments, following self-determination theory (SDT). Originally proposed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan (1971)s, SDT suggests that students are more intrinsically motivated when their needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are met. In this study, I gave students in a 12th grade African American Literature class choice in assignments, and kept track of the behavior of the class in daily field notes. The results should show that when students are doing activities that are more conducive to student choice, they will be more intrinsically motivated to learn.

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Apr 21st, 11:00 AM Apr 21st, 12:00 PM

Student Choice and Motivation in the Secondary English Classroom

Foyer, State Farm Hall

Motivated students are far more likely to learn, but it can be difficult when students’ interests and inspirations all differ. One of the most effective ways to improve student motivation and attainment in the classroom is by giving students choice in assignments, following self-determination theory (SDT). Originally proposed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan (1971)s, SDT suggests that students are more intrinsically motivated when their needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are met. In this study, I gave students in a 12th grade African American Literature class choice in assignments, and kept track of the behavior of the class in daily field notes. The results should show that when students are doing activities that are more conducive to student choice, they will be more intrinsically motivated to learn.

 

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