Beyond words: the relevance of autonomy-supportive language in university syllabi.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

University syllabi are a semester-long working tool through which professors present a thematic content program, precise assessment mechanisms, and establish the activities schedule, among other tasks. Teachers can promote high-quality motivation among students through syllabi. The goal of this research was to replicate a previous study on the impact of syllabus language on student motivation.

Methods

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 aimed to examine, in 126 first- and second-year students in Humanities General Studies, how they perceive a syllabus with an autonomy-supportive "tone" vs. one with a controlling language. Study 2 explored, in 261 students, basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction and their affective approach to the course. Additionally, it i

SUBMITTER: Herrera D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11870025 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature