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The human side of science education: Using McGregor's theory Y as a framework for improving student motivation *
Author(s) -
Markwell John
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.2004.494032050393
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , goal theory , style (visual arts) , motivation theory , mathematics education , psychology , learning theory , self determination theory , motivation to learn , active learning (machine learning) , pedagogy , social psychology , computer science , autonomy , archaeology , artificial intelligence , political science , law , history
Student motivation is correlated with learning. Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y as a basis for understanding and improving motivation in the business world can be directly applied to the science classroom. Teachers with a Theory Y perspective (students naturally want to learn) provide increased motivation for students and promote more active learning than Theory X‐style teachers who do not view students as active learners. Many teachers are not aware of their Theory X/Theory Y orientation and how this bias may be impacting their interaction with students. This article explores the benefits of moving from a Theory X to a more Theory Y style of teaching.