Jed Locquiao, an Assistant Professor at SUNY Oswego, delves into autonomy-supportive teaching and its ability to revitalize student motivation. He discusses the decline in student engagement and offers innovative strategies to combat it. From fostering intrinsic motivation through choice to enhancing teacher-student relationships, Jed emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment. Small teaching adjustments can lead to significant changes in classroom interaction, empowering students to take a more active role in their learning.
Autonomy-supportive teaching enhances student motivation and engagement by promoting choice and reducing coercive demands in educational settings.
Integrating intrinsic motivation and allowing student choice fosters a supportive learning environment, leading to higher academic performance and sustained engagement.
Deep dives
Enhancing Student Engagement through Autonomy-Supportive Instruction
Autonomy-supportive instruction focuses on fostering student motivation and engagement by reducing coercive demands and promoting choice. Research indicates that students who feel they have more control and ownership over their learning tend to achieve better academically. This approach not only benefits students by improving their performance and motivation but also helps instructors establish stronger rapport with their classes, creating a more supportive learning environment. The emphasis on being responsive to students’ needs encourages teachers to adjust their methods in real-time based on student engagement levels.
The Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Learning
Intrinsic motivation plays a crucial role in learning as it drives students to engage in tasks for the sheer enjoyment and personal significance rather than for external rewards. The concept is rooted in self-determination theory, which highlights autonomy as a key psychological nutrient that enhances motivation and learning persistence. Students who find personal meaning in their studies, or who perceive their tasks as fun, are more likely to excel across various domains, from academics to hobbies. Consequently, incorporating intrinsic motivation into educational practices can lead to more sustained student engagement and success.
Implementing Choice and Structure in Teaching
Incorporating choice into classroom assignments and activities is essential for fostering autonomy-supportive instruction, allowing students to engage in ways that resonate with them. Teachers can embed choice by offering various options for completing tasks, which encourages ownership and accountability while still maintaining necessary structures and expectations. It’s crucial to balance flexibility with clear guidelines to prevent potential chaos and ensure that learning objectives are met. This mindful approach to incorporating student choice can lead to enhanced motivation, higher engagement levels, and a more dynamic learning environment.
Faculty have reported a decline in student engagement during the last few years. In this episode, Jed Locquiao joins us to discuss how the use of autonomy-supportive teaching can increase student motivation and engagement. Jed is an Assistant Professor in the Curriculum and Instruction Department here at SUNY Oswego.