The effects of self determination theory on learning and motivation of repeating students in a high school Earth Science classroom

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
LaToy Lavern Jenkins Kennedy (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Samuel Miller

Abstract: "This study proposed that student motivation and learning in Earth Science can be enhanced if students are given the opportunity to experience autonomy, competency, and relatedness in the classroom. The study addressed the following research questions: (a) If students are given an opportunity to experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness, how will it affect their learning?; and (b) Similarly, how will it affect their motivation? Nine students, who previously failed this course, were enrolled in a summer school Earth Science class at an urban high school. They completed a modified version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) that measured self-efficacy, intrinsic challenge, intrinsic importance, intrinsic interest, test anxiety, self regulation monitoring cognition, self regulation monitoring, self-regulation monitoring-planning, and self regulation-effort management persistence. One-on-one interviews were conducted to give students an opportunity to elaborate and to obtain further insights on their motivation and learning. Field notes were collected to triangulate data. The results indicated that the students were able to experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness as a result of the instructional strategies presented in the classroom. The discussion focused on the implications of these findings for science education and school reform, particularly as it relates to the needs of those African-American students who experience difficulties in this discipline."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Student, motivation, Earth Science, classroom, autonomy, competency, relatedness
Subjects
Science--Study and teaching (Secondary)
Motivation in education

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