The Influence of Self-Determination Theory on African American Males' Motivation

Author(s):  
Dina Flores-Mejorado ◽  
Dianne Reed

In this chapter, the authors provide an overview of the research investigating academic resiliency and factors that impact motivation among African American males. Research identifies factors that improve academic achievement and motivation for African American males: mentoring and role modeling; encouraging positive self-identification; school, community, and church involvement; teacher expectations and instructional quality; teacher quality and preparedness; real-life applications of their experiences; and African American male teachers as role models.

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1_part_4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X2110400
Author(s):  
Brandee Appling ◽  
Shanel Robinson

This article examines the role of racial identity development in the academic achievement of African American adolescent males. Through the lens of critical race theory (CRT), we highlight how K–12 school counselors may support and enhance the schooling experiences of African American males by understanding and acknowledging how racial identity development may impact academic achievement. A focus on CRT in education emphasizes the continual persistence of racism ingrained in K–12 education located within the educational opportunities, curriculum, representation, and teacher perception of African American males. We offer insight into how school counselors may work to decrease barriers to achievement by analyzing the effect race and gender have on the identification, retention, and underachievement of their African American male students.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0901200
Author(s):  
Shelby Wyatt

A review of the literature reveals that African-American males do not achieve at the same academic levels as their White counterparts. This article reports the effectiveness of a school-based male mentoring program established by a professional school counselor in an urban high school that formed a relationship of support for male students enhancing academic achievement. The program incorporates the principles of the ASCA National Model®, empowerment theory, and Nguzo Saba. Results indicate that participation in a mentoring program can improve student academic achievement and foster personal and social growth and aspirations of success.


Author(s):  
Tammy J. Graham ◽  
Stephenie M. Hewett

The chapter examines the experiences of three African American males who were placed in an electronic learning (e-learning) classroom in a rural secondary school. The three case studies provide detailed descriptions of the young men’s backgrounds, educational experiences, and academic achievement results before the implementation of e-learning. Furthermore, the case studies detail their academic achievement results and dispositions during the e-learning process, pitfalls of their e-learning program, and lessons learned from the implementation of the program. It is the authors’ hope that educators and business professionals will utilize the information and lessons learned in this chapter when planning and implementing e-learning classes and trainings in order to enhance e-learning experiences for African American males.


2015 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 1013-1042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Orrock ◽  
Mary Ann Clark

Through an ecological systems perspective, this study explores factors that influence successful academic achievement for African American males in at-risk settings. This qualitative study examines factors that contribute to the successful academic achievement for African American males from at-risk populations. The researchers explore African American boys’ lived experiences and what contributes to their success in school. Educators and counselors are able to encourage African American male engagement in academics by understanding the interconnectedness of lived systems. This study explores the interdependency of systems in the development of self-concept for these youth. Findings suggest the value of using a systems model and approach when working with African American males in public schools to improve post-secondary outcomes. These findings have implications for promoting academic success through family, school, and community involvement for African American males.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1_part_4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X2110400
Author(s):  
Edward C. Fletcher ◽  
James L. Moore

Using a qualitative case study approach, this investigation focused specifically on the school and home experiences of low-income, African American males who had attended a career academy focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. With semistructured interviews of individuals and focus groups, we investigated the school and home experiences of African American male former high school students and how these experiences influenced their overall educational pursuit. This study concentrated on the specific research question: What are the unique identities, school experiences, and life challenges of low-income, African American males? Data analysis revealed three salient themes: (a) missing critical school and home supports, (b) searching for significant relationships and role models, and (c) desiring to earn money to provide for their families. Based on these qualitative themes, we offer specific strategies that school personnel, such as school counselors, can use to increase school engagement and success among low-income, African American males.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Denise Faulkner-Simmons

High dropout rates and poor academic performance are frequent characteristics of the educational experience for African-American male youths (Bailey & Paisley, 2004). With increased accountability standards to raise the academic achievement levels, single-sex educational environments have taken a central role in school reform agendas and initiatives in many school districts (Herr & Arms, 2004). The incorporation of a single-sex grouping served as a conduit for teachers to deliver instruction based on the varied learning styles of the students.This study was designed to determine the effect single-sex classroom instruction has on African American males’ achievement in ninth-grade mathematics compared to that of the other student groups. The researcher investigated a public school in a North Texas school district that offered alternative educational options for the students. Single-sex classrooms were created in mathematics. Teachers taught single-sex classes of students from varied ethnic backgrounds during at least one double-blocked period each day. Ex post facto data were analyzed. An independent samples t-test and a two-way factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were utilized to test each hypothesis to determine whether significant differences existed in the scale scores of comparison groups on state-mandated assessments over a period of 3 years. The instrument used to measure academic achievement is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.This study found that the mathematics scores of African American males in single-sex classes did not significantly differ from the scores of African American males in coeducational classes. The scores for the males in single-sex classes were slightly higher than that of males in coeducational classes at each grade level throughout the 3-year period. The mathematics scores of African American females in single-sex learning environments were not significantly different than those of African American males in single-sex classes. The scores for the female students were consistently higher throughout the 3-year period. This study identified the need for single-sex instructional opportunities for students as a means of eliminating the achievement gap.


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