Motivational Development After a Science Utility Value Intervention: A Six-Month Follow-Up of Elementary School Students

• In Event: Motivation Interventions Targeting Mind-Set and Value

Abstract

Utility value intervention grounded on expectancy-value theory is attracting increasing attention from researchers. However, its effect on young students and the mechanism through which it helps student motivation has not been sufficiently studied. We tracked 416 fifth and sixth graders who participated in our science utility value intervention for an academic year. Results showed that the immediate benefits of intervention appeared to disappear when the intervention program ceased to continue. Nevertheless, the enhanced utility value in science due to intervention longitudinally predicted science interest and appreciation, as well as intention to choose science careers and engagement in exploring the link between careers and science. Both interest and appreciation played unique mediating roles between utility value and choice intention and engagement.

Authors

• Dajung Diane Shin, Korea University

• Minhye Lee, Korea University - Brain and Motivation Research Institute

• Mimi Bong, Korea University