Motivating Students: Exploring Teachers' Classroom Practices

• In Event: 32.082 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 32.082-4 - Teaching and Teacher Motivation

Abstract

Motivational theories suggest various motivational best practices; however, the empirical research literature largely lacks the perspective of teachers, who facilitate motivation day in and out with students, about how they apply these motivational practices in their classrooms. The purpose of this study was to better understand what teachers do in their classrooms to motivate students by asking them directly, thereby allowing a natural illustration of classroom motivational practices to develop. Eight distinct themes, representing motivation practice domains, emerged from the data: Utility, Interest, Relationships, Rewards, Effort, Safe Environment, Student-based learning strategies, and Teacher-based learning strategies. Results are discussed in the context of looking across theories, empirically supported practices, and empirically discouraged practices. Limitations and suggestions for future research are explored.

Authors

• Amanda Radil, University of Alberta

• Lia Marie Daniels, University of Alberta