Developing Situational Interest Through Guided Biology Research

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Student Engagement, Identity, and Motivation in STEM (Table 9)

Abstract

To address declining attitudes towards science in secondary students, the current study investigated an intervention for middle school focused on increasing science interest through hands-on biology research. The current study sought to investigate the development of situational interest (SI) at pre- mid- and post-semester (N = 142), as well as potential gender differences. Results of repeated measures ANOVA showed that time significantly increased Triggered SI and Maintained SI-Feeling, but not Maintained SI-Value. Separating the sample by sex, females showed significantly more Triggered SI and Maintained SI-Feeling than males over time. Females also rated themselves significantly higher in Maintained SI-Value. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Maryann R. Hebda

• Camille Allen, Baylor University

• Morgan R. Castillo, Baylor University

• Liesel Lutz, Baylor University

• Tracey N. Sulak, Baylor University