The Effects of Creative Dance Courses on Learning Motivation among Sophomore Dance Students in Chengdu: A Study Based on Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences

บทคัดย่อ

This study investigated the impact of creative dance courses on the learning motivation of sophomore dance students in Chinese higher education, using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Multiple Intelligences (MI) as a framework.  A mixed-methods study incorporated survey data from 300 students and thematic interviews with 15 participants.  The findings demonstrated that creative dance dramatically increased intrinsic motivation through autonomy and competence fulfillment, while also enhancing extrinsic motivation, especially among male students.  Gender appeared as a significant moderator, with female students responding more to intrinsic drivers like emotional expression and male students being more impacted by recognition and performance rewards. Further analysis revealed genre-specific differences, with ballet associated with increased extrinsic drive, contemporary dance fostering intrinsic engagement, and folk dance enhancing both cultural identity and teamwork.  Qualitative research verified these tendencies, with emotional release, peer collaboration, and teacher feedback serving as significant motivators.  The findings expand on SDT and MI theory by illustrating how creative dance engages numerous motivational pathways, with practical implications for building gender-responsive, genre-specific, and autonomy-supportive pedagogy in Chinese higher education.