Research

The DRIES Lab envisions a world where every learner is empowered to explore, inquire, and build upon their unique talents to achieve success and contribute meaningfully to a transformative future.We use qualitative methods and student artifacts with theories in human motivation, values, beliefs, and behavior to better understand the educational environments and structures in which we teach, learn, and thrive.

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a useful framework to explore human motivation. According to SDT, an individual is maximally motivated and productive when three aspects of motivation are met: autonomy (having a choice), competence (being able to do the task at hand), and relatedness (feeling part of the group/project). The DRIES Lab examines elements of each of these in an effort to better support student outcomes.

Autonomy

One of scientists’ best assets is their curiosity; and the authenticity of that curiosity is choosing questions that interest them. The DRIES Lab examines how curiosity is encouraged, rewarded, and developed, how interests are developed, and how learning environments can support self-directed learning.

Competence

Students’ persistence in STEM is related to their belief that they can perform like a STEM professional. The DRIES Lab examines how instructors’ assessment practices and classroom structures can support students’ self-efficacy.

Relatedness

Students feel a sense of belonging when their identity as STEM is reaffirmed by their peers and instructor. The DRIES Lab examines how students’ STEM identity – and that of their peers – is informed by their classroom and laboratory experiences and personal identities.