Research Study

DIRECTIONS:

​

Motivation has long been linked to successful learning. A robust body of empirical research has demonstrated that students who are motivated perform considerably higher academically  than unmotivated and disengaged peers. Despite the importance of motivation and the instructional strategies that have been identified as improving student motivation, this component of teaching continues to be a substantial challenge for all teachers (even master teachers!).

​

The learning task for this study is to read an article on the Self-Determination Theory, which provides insight into what motivates students and effective instructional strategies. You have 30 minutes to read and learn about this theory in preparation for the post-test, which will ask you to apply this theory to the classroom.

​

Thinking Aloud:

​

We are interested in how pre-service teachers learn. Thus, it is critical that you “think aloud” continuously while you read and learn about the Self-Determination Theory. Say everything you are thinking and doing, which includes reading, learning, and taking notes. Please do NOT explain your thinking; rather simply verbalize your thinking so that the researchers can get a better understanding of how you learn. The researcher will remind you to verbalize your thinking ("say what you are you thinking"), if you are silent for an extended period of time.

 

Please watch the short video (on desktop), which demonstrates the process of thinking aloud. In this video, the participant is asked think aloud as he is learning about Ability Grouping in the classroom.