“Inductively, using the empirical process, we have identified three [such] needs – the needs for competence … relatedness … and autonomy – that appear to be essential for facilitating optimal functioning of the natural propensities for growth and integration, as well as for constructive social development and personal well-being.”

According to Deci & Ryan (quoted above) the satisfaction of these three needs provides intrinsic motivation to act. “Self-determination theory” might be valuable for educational practice: in accordance with this theory, teachers generate intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being for their students to the extent that the students experience competence, relatedness and autonomy.

But does Self-determination theory meet the criteria we would expect, from a theory? How might Deci & Ryan respond to Wilf Carr’s argument, discussed last week?

Discuss these questions and more at next week’s Academic Reading Group. We meet in the library group meeting room at 2.00 on November 4  (note the change of time).

The paper can be downloaded here:

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being, American Psychologist, 55 (1), 68-78. 

 

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