Investigating the Effects of Interest and Choice: An Experience Sampling Approach

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Advances in Interest Research

Abstract

Using data collected via the Experience Sampling Method, we explore the effects of choice and momentary interest on student engagement and affect in high school science classrooms. Results from Hierarchical Linear Modeling indicate independent effects of choice and interest, and further suggest that the types of choices educators offer to students are differently associated with affect and engagement. The choice of who to work with was associated with increased positive affect but was unrelated to engagement. Choices regarding how to do an activity predicted increased engagement but not affect. Choices regarding time allocation predicted negative affect. However, relative to choice, momentary interest was a stronger predictor of affect and engagement across all models. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Authors

• Patrick Neil Beymer, Michigan State University

• Joshua Michael Rosenberg, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

• Jennifer A. Schmidt, Michigan State University