Motivation research is central to understanding why certain students exhibit high levels of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement with learning, and why others lack interest, display boredom, and withdraw effort (i.e., are disaffected). In this review, tenets within self-determination theory (SDT) are used to provide a…

Self-determination theory (SDT) assumes that inherent in human nature is the propensity to be curious about one's environment and interested in learning and developing one's knowledge. All too often, however, educators introduce external controls into learning climates, which can undermine the sense of relatedness between teachers and students,…

Historically, medical education has focused largely on medical students' intellectual development, mostly ignoring the broader psychological milieu of medical practice. This chasm can result in practitioners who are less likely to process their emotions and/or support their patient's needs, and more likely to experience burnout. Self-determination…

Identifies gifted African American children's sociocultural and psychological needs that should be considered when promoting their inclusion in general education settings. Strategies are discussed for creating inclusive environments for these learners, including promoting leadership and prosocial skills, switching linguistic and cultural codes,…

Contends that identity problems among adolescents are exacerbated by misinterpretations of the role education plays in the process of achieving personal autonomy. States these problems arise when means to autonomy become ends in themselves and when status is emphasized over character. Explores three stages of the process from freedom to…