Classroom Management & Student Behavior (PD+)
Build effective, student-centered approaches to classroom management, behavior support, engagement, and positive learning environments that help all students succeed.
Course Catalog
Student Engagement and Motivation (PD+)
This course provides an in-depth examination of student engagement, motivation, and psychological well-being in educational settings. Grounded in established motivational theories and contemporary research, students will analyze the factors that influence learners’ engagement, persistence, achievement, and personal development. Particular emphasis is placed on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework for understanding human motivation and behavior, including the roles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in supporting effective learning. Students will explore autonomous and controlled behavior, major psychological theories of motivation, and the relationship between motivation, engagement, and student success. Through the application of theory to authentic educational contexts, students will evaluate instructional practices and design learning environments that promote motivation, self-directed learning, healthy behaviors, and positive self-esteem. Students will explore and engage with course resources to develop practical strategies for fostering student engagement and psychological well-being across diverse learning environments. The course also introduces professional resources and tools that support the implementation of Self-Determination Theory and other motivational frameworks, preparing educators to create student-centered learning experiences that enhance both educational outcomes and lifelong learner development.