Self-Determination Theory: Increasing Motivation in Middle School Students

Author

Mary I. Morrow, Regis University

First Advisor

Woodrow, Kelli

College

College for Professional Studies

Degree Name

Master of Education

School

School of Education and Counseling

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Comments

Education

Number of Pages

111 pages

Abstract

Self-Determination Theory: Increasing Motivation in Middle School Students Research shows that motivation declines when students enter middle school. Because of this, middle school teachers face the difficult challenge of motivating their students to learn. Although intrinsic motivation results in higher conceptual learning, not all activities in a classroom are intrinsically motivated. Self-Determination Theorists propose that through the process of internalization, students' motivation towards extrinsically motivated activities could reach levels in which the behavioral qualities are comparable to those of intrinsic motivation. The internalization process is dependent on environmental supports for autonomy, competence, relatedness, and task relevance. A handbook based on strategies and concrete examples was developed for middle school teachers to use to maintain intrinsic motivation and promote self-determined behavior in students when engaged in extrinsically motivated activities.

Date of Award

Spring 2008

Location (Creation)

Colorado (state); Denver (county); Denver (inhabited place)

Copyright

© Mary Morrow

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

Recommended Citation

Morrow, Mary I., "Self-Determination Theory: Increasing Motivation in Middle School Students" (2008). Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection). 88.
https://epublications.regis.edu/theses/88