Understanding What They Want: Modeling the Motivational Profiles of Mechanical Engineering Students

• In Event: 49.089 - Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: 49.089-2 - Division C Section 1e: Motivation in Computer Science and Engineering Education

Abstract

Engineering programs face issues of demotivation and attrition. Given the complex, interactive nature of motivation for learning and development, engineering education needs studies that model interactions among multiple variables informed by a multi-theory approach to motivation. To address this gap, this study tested predictive relationships among theoretically-influential factors in the motivational profiles of 80 mechanical engineering design students. Initial correlations indicated 28 possible paths, and regressions distilled these to the 13 most significant predictive pathways modeling the course engagement, career efficacy and success expectations of these engineering students. This modeling approach helps reduce the confusion from multiple, sometimes conflicting findings, and refine understanding of students’ motivation that can contribute to more effective engineering education.

Authors

• Patricia L. Hardre, University of Oklahoma

• Zahed Siddique, University of Oklahoma