Fluctuations in Situational Interest Mapped Onto Students' Interpreted Sources During a Science and Engineering Unit

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-14 - How Interesting! Students' Motivation and Interest in Context

Abstract

Research is needed to deepen understanding of the sources of situational interest (SI), given a reliance on surveys and investigation of single sources. The current study analyzes fluctuations in sixth grade students’ triggered-SI across a science and engineering unit. Daily SI ratings were then mapped onto students’ own interpretations of the sources using an open-ended measure, and analyzed using frequencies and qualitative analysis. Results suggest students’ triggered-SI fluctuated across lessons, with engineering design practices and technology identified most frequently as sources. Specific SI sources had more marked influence day-to-day (e.g., community, Day 13). These findings suggest that daily and SI source measures inform our explanatory theories of SI beyond that provided by retrospective surveys, averages, or total scores.

Authors

• Toni Kempler Rogat, Purdue University

• Temitope Adeoye, Purdue University

• Maurina Loren Aranda, Purdue University

• Selcen Guzey, Purdue University