The Potential of Psychological Need Fulfillment for Increasing Levels of Student Engagement Among Early Adolescent Students

• In Event: Division B Research in Progress: The Future of Curriculum

Abstract

Abstract
Engagement plays a critical role in learning; however, it is a phenomenon with which many schools and teachers often struggle. Research supports when psychological needs are met, students are engaged in their learning. Using basic psychological needs theory as a framework, this study will investigate the degree to which teachers apply strategies that meet the psychological needs of their students and the reasons they do or do not apply these strategies.
Participants will include 5th grade teachers of an urban school. This group of participants has been chosen because the significant drop in engagement begins at 5th grade.
A basic interpretive qualitative design will be used to investigate this phenomenon by collecting data through classroom observation and interviews with teachers.
By investigating this phenomenon, findings may be used to design academic environments that meet the psychological needs of early adolescents, thereby potentially increasing their levels of engagement.

Author

• Vicki L Ritzinger, Cleveland State University