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Motivational scaffolding framework: six motivationally grounded goals for scaffold design in PBL

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

The article's central framework holds that scaffolds in problem-based learning environments should be designed around six motivational goals. As the authors state, "our framework posits that motivation-enhancing scaffolds in PBL should promote these six goals that are broadly supported by motivation theories: establish task value, promote mastery goals, promote belonging, promote emotion regulation, promote expectancy for success, and promote autonomy." Achieving these goals is expected to raise behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement, since "motivation is a basis for subsequent engagement." The framework is elaborated into seventeen numbered scaffolding strategies in Table 1.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Scaffolds must be designed intentionally to encourage motivation rather than assuming authentic problems automatically engage students
  • Sustained situational interest requires content knowledge and a belief in task value

Constraints

  • Framework addresses computer-based scaffolds in PBL; teacher scaffolds are acknowledged but beyond the article's scope
  • The article synthesizes motivation theories, adopting single terms where constructs differ in nuance, to keep focus on design implications

Target Learners

  • K-12 and university students working on authentic, ill-structured problems in PBL environments

Learning Goals

  • Sustained engagement and motivation during extended problem-based learning
  • Deep conceptual learning and problem-solving in authentic inquiry

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Belland Brian R., Kim ChanMin, Hannafin Michael J. (2013). A Framework for Designing Scaffolds That Improve Motivation and Cognition. Educational Psychologist. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2013.838920
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id motivational-scaffolding-framework-six-goals
title Motivational scaffolding framework: six motivationally grounded goals for scaffold design in PBL
description The article's central framework holds that scaffolds in problem-based learning environments should be designed around six motivational goals.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-16
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — belland-brian-r-2013

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