Exploring Interest and Goal Orientation in a Problem-Based Learning Environment

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG: Poster Session 2 of 2

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) environments tend to be complex and multifaceted, with students taking an active role in the learning process. Due to these factors, PBL offers a rich environment to study student motivation. For the current study, we investigated the comparison of situational interest in the moment to a retrospective evaluation during a 5-week PBL environment. Additionally, we explored the relationship between goal orientation and students’ perceptions of interest. Based on our findings, students’ retrospective evaluation of situational interest was significantly greater than their situational interest in the moment. In addition, we found that certain combinations of goal orientations may impact situational interest differently in a complex learning environment such as PBL.

Authors

• Michael M. Phillips, University of Northern Colorado

• Kevin J. Pugh, University of Northern Colorado

• Moshe Machlev, University of Northern Colorado

• Cassendra M. Bergstrom, University of Northern Colorado