Date of Graduation
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
Nianqiang Wu
Committee Co-Chair
Terence D Musho
Committee Member
Konstantinos Sierros
Abstract
In recent decades, researchers have noted a significant academic gap between males and females. Boys are falling behind their female counterparts. Boys have lower grades and are less likely to participate in more advanced coursework. Boys are more likely to drop out of high school and college, and are graduating from higher education in lower numbers than females. Several reasons are given for the gender achievement gap in K-12 education, including the higher percentage of female teachers, the increase of a literacy focus, and the lack of experiential learning in school. In an effort to bridge the gender achievement gap, this study focuses on boys' motivation. This paper aims to explore motivation among adolescent males and how it is impacted by autonomy supportive practices by their classroom teachers. A mixed methods study is utilized with a sample of 24 adolescent male students and 14 teachers. A moderate positive correlation was discovered between intrinsic motivation and teacher autonomy support behaviors. The paper concludes with recommendations for classroom teachers that include approaches that may increase intrinsic motivation and ultimately student learning for male students.
Recommended Citation
Albagle, Fagr, "Synthesis of Bismuth Ferrite for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting" (2017). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 5050.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/5050