Building Autonomous Learners: Perspectives from Self-determination Theory

What energises and directs the behaviours of students and teachers? This question has been the key in guiding motivational research in education worldwide. Education in Singapore has been shifting away from rote learning, and moving towards incorporating programmes that encourage the independent learning of students. Recognizing the value of nurturing students’ joy of learning, the Ministry of Education, Singapore, recognises the necessity for educators to prepare students to be self-directed and lifelong learners. The need to deepen our knowledge of motivation in students grows ever more imperative. This succinctly summarizes the aim of this presentation, which seeks to deconstruct the psychological factors underlying self-regulated learning using wisdom from self-determination theory. The presentation will provide a description of the self-determination theory and research evidence in supporting its use in the classroom context. Next, a few key research studies conducted in Singapore will be shared. Finally, key strategies for creating autonomous learners will be presented.

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ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Professor John Wang is the E. W. Barker Chair in Physical Education and Sports Science by Nanyang Technological University. He was the former Dean, Graduate Studies and Professional Learning in National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore. Professor Wang leads a group of NIE staff in the Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory (MERL) in NIE. The aim of MERL is to focus on specific motivational issues related to education and works on translating theories into knowledge for evidenced-based practice in education.