How Choice Influences Student Engagement and Motivation: A Case Study

Abstract

This capstone explores how choice influences student motivation and engagement in literacy. With observations, student and parent interviews, literacy based activities, and a student self-reflection. The participant is studied based on his motivation and engagement when choice is provided and when it is not. The parent participant is studied based on her parental involvement and influence on the student participant. The purpose of this study is to gain insight on how to implement choice for this specific student in and outside of the classroom, and how that influences his motivation and engagement in literacy. The study also aims to get a closer look at the educational benefits of providing choice in literacy. Findings suggest that it is simple for this student to sustain motivation and engagement in literacy because he truly enjoys reading and learning new information. Recommendations for future research include exploring how choice influences other groups of students or unmotivated students. Keywords: engagement, motivation, choice, literacy