Purpose in learning increases engagement, self-regulation, and academic performance¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · theoretical r2 · q1
Currency · newest study 2026 · checked against its sources 2026-10-09 (automated, 1 of 1 entry) · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q1 i? When learners find purpose while learning, they instill meaning in learning activities, increasing engagement, improving self-regulation, and boosting academic performance. → purpose-1

Evidence¶

purpose-1¶

Anton, G., Mills, K., Jacob, S., Chou, N., McNeil, K., & Wegemer, C. (2026, July). Powerful learning: Fostering agency, purpose, and curiosity through connection: Cultivating future-ready knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/307

q1 · i? · theoretical · r2

The report asserts, citing Priniski et al., that purpose fosters meaning in learning activities, "consequently increasing engage- ment, improving self-regulation, and boosting academic performance." No effect sizes are printed; this is a narrative synthesis claim.

"When learners are able to find purpose while learning, they instill a sense of meaning for the learning activities, consequently increasing engage- ment, improving self-regulation, and boosting academic performance (Priniski et al., 2018)."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Self-Regulation — outcome: instruction changes it

Related Claims¶

• Self-determination theory holds that autonomy support raises intrinsic motivation, and a meta-analysis finds expected tangible rewards undermine it — related
• Learners invest more effort in tasks they perceive as interesting, personally important, or useful to their future goals. — a broader claim this one bears on
• Self-regulated learning improves achievement — related
• IPS implemented with adult support and regular review may increase students’ academic engagement, agency, career-relevant knowledge and skills, and college/career drive — a narrower finding that bears on this claim
• Adding friction to objectively meaningless tasks increases their appraised sense of purpose and meaning — related
• Autonomy, meaningful purpose, and interest improve intrinsic motivation and deeper processing — a broader claim this one bears on
• Students with belonging, purpose, collaboration, goal-setting, and perseverance skills alongside academic knowledge are more likely to reach their full potential — related
• Students use strategies to regulate their own motivation and affect — related