Disentangling the Effects of Interest and Choice on Learning, Engagement, and Attitude

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Motivation

Abstract

Our purpose was to disentangle the effects of topic interest, situational interest and choice on learning, engagement and attitude. Using SEM, a path model was tested examining the impact of topic interest and choice experimental manipulations on situational interest, engagement, and learning and attitude outcomes. Topic interest produced positive direct and indirect impacts on learning and engagement. Choice had an impact on attitudes but not learning or engagement. Situational interest was the strongest influence on learning and attitude and engagement/effort measures. Topic interest had only a moderate effect on situational interest suggesting that topic interest does not automatically translate into situational interest. Contrary to the belief that providing choice will increase interest, choice had no significant impact on situational interest.

Authors

• Terri L. Flowerday, University of New Mexico

• Duane F. Shell, University of Nebraska - Lincoln