Online Learning Goal Orientation and Student Performance: A Latent Profile Analysis

• In Event: Social and Emotional Influences on Student Learning Approaches

Abstract

The fast development of online learning and the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to education. The current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify profiles of goal orientations in the online environment. Data were collected from online university students (N=399) using Elliot & McGregor’s Achievement Goals Questionnaire (2001). Results of LPA yielded a 3-profile solution as optimal, with older online students (LP1, n=65) endorsing more on the approach-goals, and less on the avoidance-goals, than the younger students (LP2, n=236 and LP3 n=38). Lower predicted course grades were related to higher scores on the avoidance-goals. Higher scores on the avoidance-goals predicted lower GPAs. Implications for effective online instructional design and promoting online learning are discussed.

Authors

• Diana L. Mindrila, University of West Georgia

• Li Cao, The University of West Georgia