- Year 2019
- NSF Award #1758243
- Registration Master Teaching Fellow
- First Name Jason
- Last Name McMurray
- Discipline Biology
- Institution University of Rochester
- School Name and District Currently Teaching Eastridge High School, East Irondequoit Central School District
Abstract
This study attempts to implement a method of learning that allows alternative education students in a high-needs district to take ownership for their learning. These at-risk students have gotten through their earlier years of science education with a compliance mindset of being in class and handing in work that is copied or poorly attempted. In high school, however, this mindset leads only to frustration as they continue to struggle and repeat the same courses again and again. This study looks to address the issue of student motivation and increase student ownership for their work using elements from the Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT has three main facets; autonomy, competence and relatedness. This study focused on the component of autonomy by placing work for the next unit in our school’s learning management system and set up what are known as completion rules for the work. The work also contained a mixture of must-do work and choice assignments. There were also class periods set aside for group discussions and lab work. Students were given a due date for the assignments and then allowed to progress as they chose with assistance from myself and each other. The results of this early implementation along with future directions and goals for student achievement will be shared during this poster session.
