The Effects of Subject Presentation Type on Student Motivation: A Problem-Based Learning Implementation in Speech-Language Pathology

• In Event: Instructional and Technological Scaffolding in Enhancing Students' Problem-Based Learning Experiences

Abstract

Students have been observed as underprepared or skipping steps during the PBL process due to fatigue or low motivation (Czabanowska, et al., 2012). One way to explore resolving this issue is to consider whether variables of problem scenario design can be altered to optimize motivation. This study considered the impact of presentation modality of the PBL problem subject (i.e., the key character involved in the problem) on student motivation within the context of Speech and Voice Science curricula. The results showed the frequency of engagement behaviors gradually declined during the study. Although engagement levels declined and fatigue appeared to play a role, most students identified problems with combination of higher subject presence (i.e., audio-visual, face-to-face) and challenging content as motivating.

Authors

• Elaine Kim Pyle, Minnesota State University - Moorhead

• Woei Hung, University of North Dakota