La qualita della motivazione scolastica: L'applicazione della teoria dell'autodeterminazione ai contesti educativi / The quality of school grounds: The application of the theory of self-determination in educational contexts

In this article Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is analyzed in terms of its application in school context reviewing major findings. The theory postulates the existence of a self-determination continuum reflecting differences in the ways in which students' academic motivation can be regulated. The paper discusses the measures of self-determination according to SDT framework, the development of intrinsic motivation in school context and reviews studies about potential consequences and potential antecedents of being self-determinated at school. Researches reviewed suggest that high self-determination significatively predicts important educational outcomes (e.g. positive academic performance, reduced risk of school dropout), and that teachers' and parental autonomy support behavior can promote self-determination