Fostering Autonomy and Self Determination in Online Education


Abstract views: 260 / PDF downloads: 186

Authors

  • Yetkin Yildirim Rice University
  • Busra Dokmen
  • Zahrah Butler

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31039/ejohe.2021.5.59

Keywords:

online learning, Self-Determination Theory, project-based learning, active learning, social and emotional learning, autonomy, relatedness

Abstract

University students have experienced massive disruption in the wake of COVID-19 in the form of online education. Online education has required students to be more self-regulated, and the present research is interested in determining how this self-regulated education system impacts students and whether they are able to meet their needs of experienced competence, autonomy, and relatedness? What resources aid them in getting these things? The paper begins with an exploration of Self-Determination Theory and Resilience. Resilience has long been considered a part of basic psychological need satisfaction. Self Determination Theory says that experienced competence, autonomy, and relatedness are core pieces for personal growth, social development, psychological wellbeing. Need satisfaction can help create better coping habits in times of stress. SDT has been promoted in the classroom for the last few years because of this.

References

Abuhmaid, A. (2020). The Efficiency of Online Learning Environment for Implementing Project-Based Learning: Students’ Perceptions. International Journal of Higher Education, Vol 9(5). https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n5p76

Bawa, Papia. (2016) Retention in Online Courses: Exploring Issues and Solutions—A Literature Review. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244015621777

Blankenberger, B. and Williams, A. M. (2020) COVID and the impact on higher education: The essential role of integrity and accountability. Administrative Theory and Praxis, 42 (3), pp. 404-423. DOI: 10.1080/10841806.2020.1771907.

Blinkoff, E., Golinkoff, R., Hadani, H., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2021, February 17). Playful learning and 21st-century skills line the path to education reform: Our responses to your questions. Retrieved from the Brookings Institution website: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2021/02/17/playful-learning-and-21st-century-skills-line-the-path-to-education-reform-our-responses-to-your-questions/

Brandt, C. & Thompson, J. (2020) Carpe Diem: Evolving Education After COVID-19. Retrieved from the Center for Assessment website: https://www.nciea.org/blog/professional-development/carpe-diem-evolving-education-after-covid-19

Carpenter, J. & Pease, J. (2013). Preparing Students to Take Responsibility for Learning:

The Role of Non-Curricular Learning Strategies. Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, Vol 7(2) pp. 38-55. http://dx.doi.org/10.3776/joci.2013.v7n2p38-55

Chen, K.-C., & Jang, S.-J. (2010). Motivation in online learning: Testing a model of self-determination theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(4), 741–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.01.011 [Crossref], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]

Chiu, Thomas K. F. (2021) Applying the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to Explain Student Engagement in Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2021.1891998

Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (n.d.) Collaborative Learning. Retrieved at:

https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/teaching-with-technology/teaching-online/collaborative-learning-online/

Ekornes, Stine (2021). The impact of perceived psychosocial environment and academic emotions on higher education students’ intentions to drop out, Higher Education Research & Development, DOI: 10.1080/07294360.2021.1882404

English, M. & Kitsantas, A. (2013). Supporting Student Self-Regulated Learning in Problem- and Project-Based Learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, Vol 7(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1339

Foerst, N. M., Klug, J., Jöstl, G., Spiel, C., Schober, B. (2017). Knowledge vs. action: Discrepancies in university students’ knowledge about and self-reported use of self-regulated learning strategies. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01288

Google Scholar

Glantz, E., Gamrat, C., Lenze, L. and Bardzell, J. (2021). Improved Student Engagement in Higher Education’s Next Normal. URL: https://er.educause.edu/articles/2021/3/improved-student-engagement-in-higher-educations-next-normal

Heissel, A., Pietrek, A., Flunger, B., Fydrich, T., Rapp, M. A., Heinzel, S., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2018). The validation of the German Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale in the context of mental health. European Journal of Health Psychology, 25(4), 119–132. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000017

Henry, L. (2020). Fostering a Strong Community in a Virtual Classroom. Retrieved from the George Lucas Education Foundation website: https://www.edutopia.org/article/fostering-strong-community-virtual-classroom

Holzer J, Lüftenegger M, Korlat S, et al. (2021) Higher Education in Times of COVID-19: University Students’ Basic Need Satisfaction, Self-Regulated Learning, and Well-Being. AERA Open. doi:10.1177/23328584211003164

Hsu, H. C. K., Wang, C. V., & Levesque-Bristol, C. (2019). Reexamining the impact of self-determination theory on learning outcomes in the online learning environment. Education and Information Technologies, 24(3), 2159–2174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09863-w [Crossref], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]

Institute of Self-Directed Learning. (2021). A 2021 Landscape Analysis and Recommendations for Transforming Educational Practice. Retrieved at: https://static1.squarespace.com

Levine, E. (2020). Transitioning and Sustaining Competency-Based Education During School Closures. Retrieved from the Aurora Institute website: https://aurora-institute.org/cw_post/transitioning-and-sustaining-competency-based-education-during-school-closures/

Marx, R., Blumenfeld, P., Krajcik, J., Blunk, M., Crawford, B., Kelly, B., & Meyer, K. (1994). Enacting Project-Based Science: Experiences of Four Middle School Teachers. The Elementary School Journal, Vol 94 (5). https://doi.org/10.1086/461781

Mergendoller, J., Markham, T., Ravitz, J., & Larmer, J. (2006). Pervasive management of project-based learning: Teachers as guides and facilitators. Handbook of Classroom Management: Research, Practice, and Contemporary Issues. 583-615. https://www.researchgate.net

Miller, E., Reigh, E., Berland, L., & Krajcik, J. (2021) Supporting Equity in Virtual Science Instruction Through Project-Based Learning: Opportunities and Challenges in the Era of COVID-19. Journal of Science Teacher Education, Vol 32(6). 642-663. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2021.1873549

Purcell, W. M. and Lumbreras, Julio. (2021). Higher education and the COVID?19 pandemic: navigating disruption using the sustainable development goals. Discover Sustainability. 2, 6. DOI: 10.1007/s43621-021-00013-2. URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43621-021-00013-2

Reeve, J. (2013). How students create motivationally supportive learning environments for themselves: The concept of agentic engagement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 579–595. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032690 [Crossref], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]

Ryan, R., & Deci, E. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, Vol 55(1). 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.68

Tunc, E., Hossain, N., Haq, A., & Yildirim, Y. (2022). Communicating Social and Emotional Needs: New Challenges for Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In Trif, V. (Ed.) Basic Communication and Assessment Prerequisites for the New Normal of Education (pp. 162-170). IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-8247-3.ch010

Zimmerman, B. (2008). Investigating self-regulation and motivation: Historical background, methodological developments, and future prospects. American Educational Research Journal, Vol 45(1). 166–183. http://dx.doi.org/10.3102/0002831207312909

Downloads

Published

2021-12-26

How to Cite

Yildirim, Y., Dokmen, B., & Butler, Z. (2021). Fostering Autonomy and Self Determination in Online Education. Eurasian Journal of Higher Education, (5), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.31039/ejohe.2021.5.59

Issue

Section

Articles