Motivating writing: the power of choice

Abstract

This presentation will show the results of a research project at Mahidol University International College conducted during the 2004/2005 academic year. The rationale for this study was to test an approach for increasing students’ motivation to write longer compositions and put more effort into their writing development. If students are presented with choices to select easier or more difficult tasks, what choices will they make? This presentation will outline the findings of the research and propose a useful approach to curriculum development that can boost student motivation for writing tasks in the classroom.