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Article: The challenge to challenge: shifting the motivational climate of the college classroom for enhanced learning.
- Article from:
- College Teaching
- Article date:
- September 22, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Heldref Publications. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Abstract. Student motivation for achievement is a particular concern in college teaching. The desire for students to learn for the sake of learning is strong, yet this often leads to "dumbing down" the curriculum. In this article, I present a case analysis of motivational dimensions of instructional practice in college classrooms using a social cognitive theory approach. Three dimensions are discussed: task, authority, and evaluation. Examples are provided to describe the role that challenge and support play in each of these dimensions. Implications for student motivation and learning are provided.
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