Physical education
Self-determinationAutonomy, competence, relatedness
Edward Deci & Richard Ryan
Did they have a say, a chance to succeed, and a sense they belong?
The person and the problem
Psychologists whose self-determination theory explains why people stay with an activity — or comply and quit.
The deeper idea
Autonomy: I have a say. Competence: I can do this. Relatedness: I belong here. Development continues after you leave when those three are fed.
Evidence and limits
Fake choices (“you may do the drill or the drill”) are control in a costume. One real fork in the session is enough.
Teaching application · 3–adult
One real choice
Offer this station or that. Set the task so success is likely, then edge it. Say every name. Let a child sit out without losing the relationship.
What to observe
Who only moves when you are watching? That is control, not autonomy.
Also
This is the climate of the room. Pair it with Ames’s TARGET.
Start with: Week 6. Self-determination on Theories.