This quasi-experimental study used a repeated measures design to examine the effects of three manipulated classroom goal structures (i.e. mastery, performance-approach, performance-avoidance) on grammar achievement, perceived autonomy support, flow experience, and affect for 49 Greek elementary school students (ages 11-12; 48% girls). Over a…

Students' academic motivation decreases in middle grades; specifications grading (SG) may be one way to boost students' motivation by offering greater agency. In this mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study, we compared SG with traditional grading methods among 69 low-income, 8th grade math students. Results indicate that students in SG classes…

Part I of this study examined the effect of two 9-week instructional climates (low autonomy [LA] and mastery motivational climate [MMC]) on object-control (OC) skill development in preschoolers (N = 117). Participants were randomly assigned to an LA, MMC, or comparison group. OC skills were assessed at pretest, posttest, and retention test with…

In Part II of this study, we examined the effect of two 9-week instructional climates (low-autonomy [LA] and mastery motivational climate [MMC]) on perceived physical competence (PPC) in preschoolers (N = 117). Participants were randomly assigned to an LA, MMC, or comparison group. PPC was assessed by a pretest, posttest, and retention test with…