First Advisor
O'Connell-Black, Christy
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Document Type
Thesis
Date Created
12-2017
Department
College of Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance, Theatre Arts and Dance Student Work
Embargo Date
6-1-2017
Abstract
This exploratory case study was designed to analyze the impact choice making has on the intrinsic motivation of middle school dance students including self determination theory’s basic needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Data were collected using multiple sources including observation rubrics and semi-structured pre- and post- group interviews. Two groups of students ages 11-14 created dances for performance. One group participated in a collaborative approach to the creative process and had the opportunity to make choices. The other group participated in a teacher-led creative process and did not have the opportunity to make choices. A thematic content analysis of pre- and post- study interviews revealed three distinct themes that were unique to choice-group students: individuality, community, and new ways of thinking. This differed from non-choice group students who revealed themes of feeling important and improved ability. Graphs derived from ratings scales on observational rubrics revealed that students who had the opportunity to make choices had higher ratings of autonomy and relatedness over the duration of the study. The findings from this study suggest that implementing student choice in the classroom may have a positive effect on intrinsic motivation and the basic needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy.
Keywords
Dance education, Student choice, Motivation, Middle school students
Extent
69 pages
Local Identifiers
GonsalvesThesis2017
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Recommended Citation
Gonsalves, Jenna M., "The Value of Choice: An Exploratory Case Study on the Intrinsic Motivation of Dance Students Within the Creative Process" (2017). Master's Theses. 53.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/theses/53