Shared Achievement Goals in Collaborative Learning Contexts

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

Achievement goal theory primarily examines individuals' motivation with little research situating achievement goals within collaborative groups as a collectively-constructed form of motivation. The present study investigated the nature of groups’ shared achievement goals and the relation of mastery, performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals for collaborative group processes. Participants were 33 small collaborative groups comprised of seventh graders participating in inquiry units. ANOVA results highlight the role of shared performance-avoidance goals in promoting relational conflict regulation and the role of shared mastery goals in beneficial outcomes. Findings inform the debate about the role of performance goals, showcasing that rather than respond by pulling together to outperform other groups, groups with higher shared performance goals were unwilling to integrate or reconcile alternative ideas.

Authors

• Karlyn R. Adams-Wiggins, The University of Texas - Tyler

• Toni Kempler Rogat, Purdue University