Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025

Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties
Published on: September 27, 2020
Beyond words: the relevance of autonomy-supportive language in university syllabi
Dora Herrera1, Aranza Lira-Delcore1,2, Benjamín Lira Luttges3
1Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima, Peru.
Introduction:
University syllabi are a semester-long working tool through which professors present a thematic content program, precise assessment mechanisms, and establish the activities schedule, among other tasks. Teachers can promote high-quality motivation among students through syllabi. The goal of this research was to replicate a previous study on the impact of syllabus language on student motivation.
Methods:
Two studies were conducted. Study 1 aimed to examine, in 126 first- and second-year students in Humanities General Studies, how they perceive a syllabus with an autonomy-supportive "tone" vs. one with a controlling language. Study 2 explored, in 261 students, basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and their affective approach to the course. Additionally, it investigated the type of motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) that students prioritize when selecting the course.
Results:
Findings from Study 1 suggest that autonomy-supportive syllabi are perceived as more attractive, fair, and respectful from the student's perspective. Results from Study 2 indicate that autonomy-supportive syllabi are related to a better perception of the course, greater BPN satisfaction, and autonomous motivation from students, increasing the probability of them choosing that subject.
Discussion:
It is concluded that promoting autonomy, even through the written language shared between teachers and students, is important for improving teaching quality.
More Related Videos
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
13:44Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Social Loafing
Ryan and Deci's Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one's actions and decisions. For example, a student who chooses their research topic is likely to be more engaged and motivated than one who...
Reliability and Validity
Metacognition
Surveys
Echo
Imagine the sound is reflected back to the ears. Assuming that the source is very close to the human, the difference between hearing the two sounds—the emitted sound and the reflected sound—may be more than the minimum time for perceiving distinct sounds. If this is the case,...