title: The synergistic relationship of perceived autonomy support and structure in the prediction of self-regulated learning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Self-determination theory defines two important dimensions of teaching style: autonomy support and structure.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the synergistic relationship of perceived teacher autonomy support and the provision of structure in the prediction of self-regulated learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Students (N=526) completed questionnaires assessing perceived autonomy support, structure, and self-regulated learning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  First, autonomy support and structure were found to be positively correlated, suggesting that the support of student autonomy generally goes hand in hand with the provision of structure and order in the classroom. Second, moderated regression analyses indicated that structure but not autonomy support yielded a main effect on self-regulated learning, although this main effect was qualified by a structure by autonomy support interaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The interaction suggests that structure was associated with more self-regulated learning under conditions of moderate and high autonomy support only. Therefore, when teachers want their students to evaluate themselves, to plan their study activities, and to think about themselves as learners, the teachers are encouraged to provide help, instructions, and expectations in an autonomy-supportive way.
authors.affiliation: Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Eline.Sierens@psy.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Eline
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sierens
authors.forename: Maarten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vansteenkiste
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goossens
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Soenens
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dochy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007207:Individuation; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011340:Problem Solving; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult