Educational Psychology Commons^™

Taking Control Of Middle School Behavior: A Structured Approach To Classroom Management In A 7th-Grade Honors English Classroom, Hanna D. Pritchard

Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

This research examined a classroom management structure used at the middle school level. It aimed to analyze the teacher’s and students’ perceptions on the protocol, and to evaluate the role of structure and the perceived impact on student behavior. The framework contained a series of strategies, such as noise level charts and positive reinforcement. Research took place in a RLA classroom, observing three seventh-grade honors class periods. The study occurred over four weeks, but the implementation began at the start of school. The research analyzed a survey given to students, a series of interviews with students and the teacher, and …

Application Of The Mattering Model By Generation In The Context Of Teacher Retention In Indiana K-12 Schools, Byron C. Sanders Ii

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

When teachers see their actions as significant and recognize they would be missed if they were gone, they realize the significance of their individual impact (Wilfong & Donlan, 2024). Understanding what matters to teachers is an important factor in the process of teacher retention. This study examined the difference in four generations of Indiana K-12 teachers against the eight elements of mattering identified by Dr. Shelly Wilfong (2021). A survey instrument utilized the Foundational Elements of Mattering Survey for K-12 Teachers (Wilfong & Donlan, 2024) and the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale survey (1966a), and it was taken by …

The Big Ideas Of Motivation Toolkit, Kevin Pugh, Cassendra Bergstrom

Toolkits

Teaching Coach Pugh has synthesized the Big Ideas of Motivation into the following infographics, along with associated references. A lot of this information can also be found in a vlog series on Dr. Pugh's youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QhP5k7eOEo&list=PLi9kxIQ_OxFzZCbDiWaYYImmi35MLZ2hu

First-Generation Medical School Applicants: A Quantitative Study Designed To Identify Areas Of Educational Support, Bethsabe Romero, Amanda K. Burbage

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

First-generation (First Gen) students are unique medical school applicants. Due to their lived experience, they approach patient care by prioritizing trust, comfort and understanding. They have proven ability to overcome obstacles and were found to be more resilient than their continuing generation (Cont Gen) peers. Despite these notable attributes, they face unique challenges in gaining medical school acceptance. There are very few quantitative studies examining this student subpopulation, and our study identifies characteristics of first-generation medical school applicants while highlighting areas of needed support. This cross-sectional study used deidentified Application and Matriculating Student Questionnaire survey data that was obtained from …

Co-Curricular Science Experiences Support Undergraduate Students' Science Gpa, Degree Completion, Workforce Entry, And Motivation, Lisa Linnenbrink-Garcia, Tony Perez, Stacy J. Priniski, Sharlyn Ferguson-Johnson, John Keane, Alexandra Lee, Kristy A. Robinson, You-Kyung Lee, Goun Choi, Matthew J. Schell, Danielle N. Berry, Rochelle Schwatz-Bloom

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Science co-curricular experiences (SciXP)-such as research experiences and internships-are a common, yet understudied, strategy to enhance undergraduates' science career pursuit. Using a doubly robust method to account for initial differences in science motivation, academic readiness, and career intentions, we investigated whether SciXP participation across four years of college predicted undergraduates' (N = 1984) science achievement, career persistence, and motivation at the end of college and after graduation. Participation in science co-curricular experiences was positively associated with science GPA, earning a science degree, being in a more science-intensive career one to two years post-graduation, and viewing science as important and useful …

Self-Handicapping In Purdue Honors Students, Amanda Colip, Colin O'Donnell, Triniti Jenkins

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Exploring Student Confidence And Calibration Accuracy In College Algebra: A Mixed-Methods Explanatory Sequential Study, Courtney T. Hill

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Calibration, or students’ ability to predict and postdict their performance on an academic task, has important implications for academic performance. It can influence students' decision making processes concerning learning activities, as well as their levels of motivation and self-regulation (Kolovelonis, 2023). The literature on calibration is clear, often indicating that students are not great at these judgements (Lin et. al, 2001). While this phenomenon is well documented, it is not an easy one to explain. Therefore, a two-phase explanatory-sequential mixed method design was used to examine undergraduate students’ calibration judgements on a college algebra exam. To further contribute to the …

Educating For Impact: A Prosocial Marketing Approach To Foster Altruism Among Young Consumers, Bela Florenthal

Journal of Applied Marketing Theory

This study explores how a prosocial marketing intervention in a dual-enrollment course fosters altruistic values and emotional development among young consumers while deepening their understanding of cause-related and social marketing. Grounded in holistic and experiential learning, the project required students to engage in weekly acts of kindness, reflect on their experiences, and share their actions on social media to amplify impact. Thematic analysis of qualitative data collected over two academic years revealed personal growth driven by intrinsic motivation (e.g., belonging, self-esteem) and positive emotions (e.g., joy, pride). Students demonstrated greater social awareness and practical application of marketing principles through volunteering, …

Investigating The Role Of Motivation On The Effectiveness Of Computerized Cognitive Training Among At-Risk Youth, Emely N. Lugo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Student motivation plays a central role in academic success, influencing persistence, engagement, and performance across grade levels. Within situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT), motivation is shaped by students’ beliefs about their ability to succeed (expectancy), the importance or usefulness they assign to a task (value), the perceived effort or trade-offs involved (cost), and the situational context in which learning occurs. Although the link between motivation and academic performance is well known, there is limited research on how motivational factors, like those proposed by SEVT, influence the extent of cognitive gains from school-based cognitive interventions designed to improve abilities related to academic …

Understanding Behavioral Engagement In Project-Based Learning: Key Influencing Factors, Maria Coney G. Pallones

English Faculty Publications

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is widely acknowledged for fostering student engagement; however, limited research explores how its specific design features influence behavioral engagement, defined as students’ active participation, persistence, and effort, particularly in early education settings. This study investigates what key factors, as perceived by teachers, influence students' behavioral engagement during PBL, and how these factors support motivation through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Semi-structured interviews were purposively conducted with elementary teachers experienced in implementing PBL, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three key design features emerged as critical to sustaining behavioral engagement: voice, choice, and ownership, which …

Optimizing Boys' Motivation Over The Transition To Middle School: A Pattern-Centered Approach To Identifying Boys' Profiles Of Engagement And The Interpersonal Resources Important In Supporting Optimal Engagement Of Boys Across Sixth Grade, Brandy Anne Brennan

Dissertations and Theses

There are normative declines in student engagement during the transition to middle school, and studies indicate that these challenges may be especially problematic for boys. Given the limited empirical evidence offering ways to support boys' motivation, the main goal of this study was to understand ways we can help boys reach their full potential over the transition to middle school by examining the interpersonal resources from parents, teachers, and peers that sustain boys' optimal engagement across the first year of middle school. Using data from an existing longitudinal dataset of 191 sixth-grade boys (N = 366; 52% male) in …

The Moderating Effects Of Motivation And Adhd On The Relationship Between Academic Burnout And Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among College Students With Adhd, Joshua Matthew Villanos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examined whether ADHD symptom severity and motivational orientations moderate relationships between academic burnout and stimulant outcomes in college students with ADHD symptoms. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 180 undergraduate students who screened positive for ADHD symptoms completed measures assessing academic burnout, motivation orientations, ADHD symptomatology, and prescription stimulant misuse behaviors and expectancies. Testing these moderation hypotheses addresses important gaps in understanding risk and protective factors that may influence stimulant misuse risk. Negative binomial regression was employed for stimulant misuse analyses using the full sample (N = 180), while linear regression examined expectancies across all participants. Results revealed one …

Examining The Impact Of A Utility Value Intervention On Self-Regulated Learning Engagement, Wanda D. Brooks

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of inserting a motivation intervention into a self-regulated learning training in an introductory biology course to increase academic performance and persistence to degree completion in science. The study was an experimental design with pre- and post-tests, with treatment and comparison groups. The training was in the form of three self-regulated learning cycles presented to students on a Blackboard Organization site where students were asked to record self-regulated learning activities in a journal during training. The primary aim of the intervention was to increase engagement in the self-regulated learning training by …

Opportunities For Growth: A Metacognitive Self-Talk Strategy That Improves Classroom Unity And Academic Attitudes, Sera Anello, Michael J. Haslip

Journal of Practitioner Research

This teacher action research study describes the development and application of the opportunities for growth teaching method to increase learner motivation, persistence, cooperation and positive self-talk among primary school students. The approach was implemented with 30 fourth graders in a Philadelphia public school classroom to foster unity, support attitudes toward academics and participation, redefine failure, and reframe challenges. Before this intervention, most of the students lacked self-regulation, self-awareness, and relationship skills needed to thrive. This study investigates how and to what effect the opportunities for growth approach shifts students’ language and mindset about academic and social challenges. Qualitative data was …

The Relationships Between Expectancy-Value Beliefs, Communal Value Beliefs, Family Identity, And Academic Persistence Among First- And Continuing-Generation College Students, Douglas W. Snuffer

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

First-generation college students (students for whom neither parent has a 4-year college degree) have lower college graduation rates than their continuing-generation peers (Cahalan et al., 2021; Fry, 2021). First-generation students may experience barriers to higher education, leading to lower levels of academic achievement motivation for college. Two of these barriers may include 1) cultural mismatch (Stephens, Fryberg, et al., 2012) with colleges via communal value (a value set that emphasizes community and family over the self) and 2) a strong sense of family identity, which lends itself to perceived family obligations (Fuligni et al., 2007). To examine the relationships between …

Second-Language Selves, Predictors, And L2 Learning Experience: An Explanatory Mixed-Method Study Of Chinese Stem Students' English Learning Motivation, Zhiqing Lin, Yue Zhang

Journal of English and Applied Linguistics

Drawing upon the model of the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS), this explanatory mixed-method study examined STEM students’ future L2 selves as guiding their motivated experiences. It first proposed a validated structural equation model of 480 participants’ future L2 selves through a large-scale survey. The SEM model highlights the predictive power of attitudes, anxiety, family, and ethnocentrism towards Ideal and Ought-to L2 selves. The model also investigates the moderating effect of gender and first language on the predictive relationship. Then, the study explored the motivational trajectories of five selected survey respondents and how they negotiated their L2 selves across time. …

A Phenomenological Study Of Motivation In Online Learners And Its Relationship To Self-Awareness, Curtiss Davis

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following study was an examination of the phenomenon of cognizance and how it impacts motivation in online learners. Cognizance is generally described as a sense of self-awareness. This qualitative study employed hermeneutic phenomenology to find the essence of awareness through the lived experience of individuals. Nine online learners were interviewed to explore whether they were influenced by the awareness of motivators such as inspiration, interest and/ or metacognition. The goal of this research was to explore whether the phenomenon of motivational awareness is a common trait among successful online learners and whether it has the potential to improve engagement …

Balance Of Psychological Needs Among University Aural Skills Students, Elizabeth Ann Johnson

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This mixed methods study examined student experiences, perceptions, and motivations in traditional, tertiary aural skills courses. Results from an initial qualitative, instrumental case study led to the development of a four-phase, exploratory sequential design guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Cognitive Evaluation Theory (CET). Qualitative findings revealed student insights into experiences with course attributes, a need for connection to material and the classroom community, and a desire for an improved aural skills course experience. Quantitative follow up examined student perceptions of the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of the basic psychological needs SDT and CET propose are necessary for student motivation and …

Situated Motivation For An Undergraduate Degree: A Phenomenology Of Nontraditional College Students' Lived Experiences, Faith A. Watrous

STEMPS Theses & Dissertations

Nontraditional college students face unique challenges as they pursue an undergraduate degree. Previous research has shown that nontraditional students withdraw from their undergraduate programs at rates significantly higher than that of traditional college students. This research has suggested that the numerous roles and responsibilities they manage make it difficult to persist in completing an undergraduate degree. Using situated expectancy value theory (SEVT), this phenomenology explored the perceptions of the lived experiences of motivation for pursuing and persisting in completing an undergraduate degree among seven nontraditional college students at a public university in the eastern central region of the United States. …

Addressing The "Hidden Crisis" In Doctoral Education: Identifying The (De)Motivating Effects Of Memorable Messages From A Self-Determination Theory Perspective, Alexis A. Murphy

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Although PhD students are academically capable, they paradoxically produce alarmingly high attrition rates. For several years, retention rates in PhD programs have averaged between 40% and 70% (Ames et al., 2018; Bowen & Rudenstine, 1992; Cochran et al., 2014; Gardner & GoPaul, 2012; Lovitts, 2001; Rockinson-Szapkiw & Spaulding, 2012). Scholars have presented several potential reasons that PhD students discontinue their studies, none of which include academic ability (Lovitts, 2001; Tucker, 1964; Sverdlick et al., 2018). Framed by self-determination theory (SDT), this study explores the social and communicative components of the doctoral education system by the psychological impact of memorable messages …

The Influence Of Social Achievement Goals On Grit In Aviation Education, Austin T. Walden

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Aviation students have multiple ways of persisting and persevering in their aviation education, and they do not learn in a vacuum. Their social goals may help explain why some aviation students show more grit than others in an aviation education environment. The study examined the relationship and predictive ability of social achievement goals (i.e., social development goal, social demonstration-approach goal, and social demonstration-avoid goal) to predict grit in an aviation education environment. The constructs of social achievement goals and grit have yet to be examined together in motivation research. This paper provides a new predictive model for using the two …

Exploring The Impact Of Self-Control, Motivation, And Resilience On Students' Self-Compassion, Diani Akmalia Apsari, Adi Atmoko, Ika Andrini Farida, Nur Eva, Augusto Da Costa, Aidah Fuadiyah

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The core purpose of Pendidikan Profesi Guru Prajabatan (PPG) is to educate prospective teachers to become professional teachers. To achieve this goal, students requires psychological abilities when facing challenges such as dense and demanding tasks based on the curriculum that must be completed in 2 semesters. This study aims to (1) test the theoretical model of regression of self-compassion, and (2) determine the contribution of self-control, motivation, and resilience to self-compassion in PPG students. This study used a causal relationship design. Data were collected with (1) Brief Self Control Scale, (2) The Academic Motivation Scale, (3) The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, …

What's The Cost?: A Phenomenological Study Of Black Male Teachers' Persistence, Kendra Yvonne Hall

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Black male teachers comprise 2% of the teacher population in the United States. In light of this disparity, there is a need to diversify the teacher workforce by recruiting and retaining Black male teachers. Black teachers are influential in students’ academic performance and personal growth. Without their presence, we are missing a key demographic and a key part of a student's educational experience. While Black male teachers’ experiences have been studied, we are less clear on the motivational processes behind their decision to teach. Therefore, this qualitative study takes a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of Black male …

Adaptations And Transformations: Perceptions Of Change In Academic Motivation, Resilience, And Covid-19 Stress, Ella V. Gregorio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Of concern to educators, post-COVID-19 assessments have revealed significant achievement gaps in student performance, as well as significant decreases in adolescent mental health. Less is known about changes in achievement motivation. Here we ask how students perceive their own motivation and whether it changed between “before” the pandemic to the present (Fall 2022 - Spring 2023), about three years after the beginning of the pandemic when many school routines were returning to “normal.” To understand how variance in these perceived changes might be related to pandemic-related stressors, trait resilience, and current mental health, we conducted a large survey study (N …

Returning To School After A Pandemic: K-6 Education Teachers Perspectives On Low- Income Students Returning To School With Regard To Academic Achievement, Behavior, Mindset, And Social Connections, Sarah Orendorff

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to determine K-6 educators’ perceptions of the impact on low-income students returning to school after the trauma of a pandemic for 2 years with regard to behavior, academic achievement, mindset, and social connections.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 12 K6 teachers who taught before, during, and after the pandemic in Orange County, CA. Semi-structured open ended interview questions was the main source of data collection with other sources including observations, and artifacts. Data was coded and the researcher analyzed the data for themes and patterns.

Findings: After analyzing data, codes, and themes …

Conceptions Of Heroic Leadership In Civil Society, Theresa A. Thorkildsen

Heroism Science

While nations face multiple disruptions to civil society, individuals in late adolescence and early adulthood are overlooked for heroic leadership opportunities in some cultures. An underestimation of individuals’ abilities is sometimes fostered by biological definitions of human development that align competence with physical changes in the brain (Blakemore, 2012). Prolonged exposure to such disregard can encourage individuals to restrict the information they notice, fostering distortion in the intentions that support leadership readiness (Pratkanis, 2007). Studies of individuals’ conceptions of how the world operates can improve leadership readiness if such evidence is used to verify that individuals notice essential information. Using …

The Personal Is Political: School Board Members’ Motivation For School Governance, Andrew Lobdell

Dissertations of Practice

Understanding the motivation behind school board members' governance is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of public schools. This research aims to analyze the motivations of five newly elected board members and compare them with past research on governance and motivation. The leadership qualities of school superintendents also impact governance and can influence board members' motivations for running and serving their communities. Similarly, board members' motivations can affect how superintendents lead their districts and prioritize different topics. The research is divided into three papers. Paper 1 reviews existing literature and is organized into three distinct sections that explore school board governance, …

Parental Support Challenges For K-12 Student Online Engagement, Qi Guo, Charles R. Graham, Jered Borup, Bobbie Sandberg, Richard E. West

Faculty Publications

This research seeks to understand parental support for online students. Using a survey, this study examined perceptions from 567 parents from eight online K-12 programs in a Midwestern state regarding their support for students’ online affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement. Guided by the Academic Communities of Engagement Framework, our analysis identified eight main challenges parents faced when supporting their online student: (a) focus; (b) keeping on pace; (c) lack of motivation; (d) lack of organization, learning materials, live sessions, and support from online schools; (e) lack of feedback, support, and communication from teachers; (f) parents in need of additional skills …

Career Choice Motivation For Professional Pilots, Brett Watts, Tamilla Curtis, Scott Ambrose

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

This study identified key motivational factors of current flight training students to better understand how individuals are motivated to pursue a career in aviation. The theoretical framework used in this study was based upon self-determination theory, as originally introduced by Deci and Ryan (2000).The research approach for this study was a semi-structured interview process where students were asked eight foundational career motivation source questions and their responses were organized into career choice motivation categories. Results showed most participants became motivated to pursue a piloting career at a very young age. This early motivation was largely due to influence from third …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Autonomy Support, Kimberly Hannah Siacor, Betsy Ng, Woon Chia Liu

Journal of Research Initiatives

This paper aimed to elucidate teachers' perceptions of using autonomy support in Singapore's classrooms. Science and mathematics teachers (N = 10) were gathered for semi-structured interviews after a 10-week autonomy support intervention. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis with emerging themes pre-conceived from the literature. The qualitative data provides meaningful insights into the teachers' understanding of what autonomy support entails, to which relevant examples of what teachers said and did to be autonomy-supportive were illuminated. The findings present an in-depth description of teachers' experiences of autonomy support, suggesting the interconnected nature of the autonomy-supportive features. Teachers should practice …