Designing Impactful College Courses: Applying Self-Determination Theory to Unleash the Potential of Autonomy-Supportive Learning Environments

This how-to course design guide is rooted in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), equipping educators with the tools they need to create learning environments that fuel motivation and lead to a more engaging and productive teaching and learning experience. Existing literature on course design often emphasizes tips and tricks drawn from a wide range of scholarship but rarely provides cohesive guiding principles to address the diverse needs of students. This book bridges that gap by utilizing a backwards design approach (starting with outcomes, followed by assessments, and then activities) to guide readers through the stages of course development. It features diverse case studies that demonstrate how instructors have applied its principles to transform their courses, along with interactive worksheets available as online resources. Ideal for any higher education instructor interested in designing (or updating) a course, this resource is particularly well-suited to graduate students designing their first class, as well as faculty development programs or book clubs in need of an anchor text.