Practice-Relevant Motivational Research: Do We Need a Different Approach?

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The last decades have seen the flourishing of motivational theory and research. However, the substantial knowledge gained about motivation does not manifest in educational practice. In this session, a focal paper will highlight theoretical, methodological, practical, and ethical challenges to the currently dominant paradigm in motivational research that stand as obstacles to the translation of motivational theory and research findings to educational practice. The paper will then propose an alternative research approach to address these challenges. Five prominent motivational researchers representing different theoretical perspectives and methodological orientations will provide commentaries on the paper. These will be followed by a facilitated conversation among the panelists, and then a facilitated discussion with the audience.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Motivation in Education

Chair

• Lyn Corno, Teachers College, Columbia University

Papers

• Practice-Relevant Motivational Research: The Need for a New Approach - Avi Kaplan, Temple University; Idit Katz, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Hanoch Flum, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

• Commentary - Judith Harackiewicz, University of Wisconsin

• Commentary - Andrew J. Martin, The University of New South Wales

• Commentary - K. Ann Renninger, Swarthmore College

• Commentary - Tim Urdan, Santa Clara University

• Commentary - Allan L. Wigfield, University of Maryland - College Park