Classroom choice-making for Chinese master’s students: choice, motivation and learning contexts

Abstract

ABSTRACTUnder the framework of self-determination theory, choice is a supporting factor for autonomy in the classroom. The provision of choice in the classroom is a distinct feature of higher education, through which students experience a shift from mandatory tasks to those are more learner-controlled. This study explores Chinese master’s students’ perspectives on choice and the relationship between choice and motivation, also, compares the choice-making opportunities in different learning contexts (China vs. UK). 60 Chinese master’s students, studying in China and the UK, participated in this study. The findings of this study indicate that most master’s students hold a positive attitude towards classroom choice, considering choice contributes to increased learning motivation in the classroom in most cases. Then, limited choices may not automatically decrease students’ motivation and students studying in China possess fewer opportunities for choice-making than students in the UK, which is influenced by the social and academic culture.