An Action Research Project: Enhancing Students' Motivation

Abstract

In this paper we are conceiving Action Research and the use of motivational strategies as two educational aspects which need to be considered as one single area of knowledge. Thus, we as teachers may enhance our students’ motivation inside and outside the school context as well as empowering both teachers and students through an active research which generates a constant acquisition of new knowledge. An example of how to apply both issues at Highschool level is presented in our proposal in which teacher and student’s research serves as the engine which moves and builds the dynamic, powerful and motivational tasks to be dealt with individually and in groups. This proposal also fosters students’ autonomy, critical thinking and moral values which are seen in their daily self-reflective practice, peer communication and acquisition and presentation of specific information. Furthermore, the proposal also enhances teachers’ motivation and helps them broaden their research fields and ways to reach new knowledge by analysing the students’ creativity and ability when researching, and studying which strategies have a more positive impact on their motivation and autonomy.