The Motivated Classroom
The Motivated Classroom
Dr. Liam Printer
144 ¦ The first two weeks: Providing the why
20 minutes Posted Sep 11, 2026 at 6:00 am.
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Show notes

When we think about autonomy as a driving force of intrinsic motivation, we often conflate it simply with 'providing choice'. According to Self-Determination Theory, however, autonomy is also about self-direction, ownership and value; this psychological need is also satisfied when we understand the rationale and purpose behind an activity... especially ones we may not find in inherently interesting.

This episode explores what providing rationale looks like in the classroom and how important it is to continually do this, right through the year, but even more so in the first few weeks.

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