NURTURING PASSION AND AUTONOMY: BEST PRACTICES FOR HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTION
Keywords:
High school instruction, passion, autonomy, authentic learning, personalized pathways, social-emotional learning, student well-beingAbstract
As students transition from middle school to high school, they face increasing academic demands, a widening array of extracurricular activities, and the growing need to make crucial decisions about their future. To ensure that high school students are equipped to navigate these complexities successfully, educators must shift their instructional approach to nurture both passion and autonomy. This article explores best practices for high school instruction, including cultivating passion through authentic learning experiences, empowering autonomy through personalized pathways, and nurturing the whole student through social-emotional learning and well-being. By providing engaging, relevant, and student-centered learning opportunities, high schools can empower young people to take ownership of their educational journey and unlock their full potential.
References
Reeve, J. (2006). Teachers as Facilitators: What Autonomy-Supportive Teachers Do and Why Their Students Benefit. The Elementary School Journal, 106(3), 225-236.
Patall, E. A., Cooper, H., & Robinson, J. C. (2008). The effects of choice on intrinsic motivation and related outcomes: a meta-analysis of research findings. Psychological Bulletin, 134(2), 270-300.
Vansteenkiste, M., Sierens, E., Goossens, L., Soenens, B., Dochy, F., Mouratidis, A., ... & Beyers, W. (2012). Identifying configurations of perceived teacher autonomy support and structure: Associations with self-regulated learning, motivation and problem behavior. Learning and Instruction, 22(6), 431-439.
Stefanou, C. R., Perencevich, K. C., DiCintio, M., & Turner, J. C. (2004). Supporting Autonomy in the Classroom: Ways Teachers Encourage Student Decision Making and Ownership. Educational Psychologist, 39(2), 97-110.
Assor, A., Kaplan, H., & Roth, G. (2002). Choice is good, but relevance is excellent: Autonomy‐enhancing and suppressing teacher behaviours predicting students' engagement in schoolwork. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 72(2), 261-278.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.
Niemiec, C. P., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). Autonomy, competence, and relatedness in the classroom: Applying self-determination theory to educational practice. Theory and research in Education, 7(2), 133-144.
Moos, D. C., & Ringdal, A. (2012). Self-Regulated Learning in the Classroom: A Literature Review on the Teacher's Role. Education Research International, 2012, 1-15.
Stroet, K., Opdenakker, M. C., & Minnaert, A. (2013). Effects of need supportive teaching on early adolescents' motivation and engagement: A review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 9, 65-87.
Reeve, J., & Jang, H. (2006). What teachers say and do to support students' autonomy during a learning activity. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(1), 209-218.