Abstract

Three primary aspects of human motivation were distinguished in order to conduct a multidimensional analysis of this overall concept: cognitive, affective, and behavioral. Self-Determination Theory is based on concepts such as behavioral regulation, human needs, learning, psychological adjustment, etc. The theory’s founders began with the idea that a spectrum of self-determination levels, which serve as the foundation for the beginning and expression of behaviors in different areas of individual functioning, might be used to characterize human motivation. In education, Self-Determination Theory can be applied to foster students’ interest in learning, motivation for self-actualization, and confidence in their own skills and talents. This article examines the main concepts of Self-Determination Theory and its implications for educational psychology.

Key words: Academic learning; educational psychology; motivation; Self-Determination Theory