The importance of motivation in education is unquestionable. The research (Good & Brophy, 2000) has shown us that motivation is a consistent and significant contributor to students functioning and performance. My goal as a teacher is to incorporate the the Self-Determination Theory throughout my practice by creating environments where students feel autonomy, competency and relatedness.
What does this look like?
Each lesson plan will incorporate two motivation columns. One at the beginning of the lesson and one at the end for observations. The columns will address:
1. Autonomy:
a. Have I provided the students will options or choice within this lesson?
b. Do I know the likes/dislikes of my students and incorporated that into the activities I choose?
2. Relatedness:
a. Do the students work together during this lesson?
b. Have I provided support to the students?
3. Competency:
a. Have I provided positive, prescriptive feedback that helps the students improve
b. Are my activities too easy? Too hard? Are the students feeling optimally challenged?
Through observations and feedback forms I hope to adapt each lesson so all three needs are met.
