Autonomy-Supportive Classroom Climate in Mixed-Grade Classes in a Japanese Elementary School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an autonomy-supportive classroom climate on intrinsic motivation in mixed-grade classes. A total of 398 children (eight to twelve years old) in a Japanese elementary school participated in a questionnaire study with two measurement occasions. Path analysis revealed that perceived autonomy-supportive classroom climate was related to perceived active participation structure, which, in turn, was related to intrinsic motivation. The effects of perceived autonomy-supportive classroom climate on intrinsic motivation were mediated by the perceived active participation structure. These relationships did not vary with the children’s grades. These results suggest that an autonomy-supportive classroom climate promotes children’s intrinsic motivation in mixed-grade classes.