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Optimizing the Power of Choice: Supporting Student Autonomy to Foster Motivation and Engagement in Learning
Author(s) -
Evans Miriam,
Boucher Alyssa R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
mind, brain, and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.624
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1751-228X
pISSN - 1751-2271
DOI - 10.1111/mbe.12073
Subject(s) - autonomy , self determination theory , student engagement , perspective (graphical) , psychology , intrinsic motivation , goal theory , power (physics) , social psychology , pedagogy , mathematics education , computer science , political science , physics , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , law
Choice plays a critical role in promoting students' intrinsic motivation and deep engagement in learning. Across a range of academic outcomes and student populations, positive impacts have been seen when student autonomy is promoted through meaningful and personally relevant choice. This article presents a theoretical perspective on the motivational role of choice in learning, based on self‐determination theory. Theoretical principles and current research on student motivation and engagement are described. Conditions under which choice promotes students' intrinsic motivation are then presented.