Motivation Profiles of Upper Elementary and Middle School Students in Science

• In Event: 73.062 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 73.062-4 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether “motivation profiles” can be identified for upper-elementary and middle school students in relation to their motivational beliefs for science class through cluster analysis. By grouping students into profiles based on their motivation-related beliefs for science, we hope to identify profiles of students who are more at-risk for not continuing on in science-related majors or careers. If profiles can be identified for students at this age, teachers may be able to more intentionally target students’ motivation in science classrooms and increase the likelihood that more students engage in science, either by choosing a science-related career or becoming more scientifically-literate. We followed a two-step cluster analysis procedure and identified six clusters/profiles.

Authors

• Jessica Chittum, East Carolina University

• Brett D. Jones, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University