Does choice matter or is it all about interest? An investigation using an experience sampling approach in high school science classrooms

Publication date: February 2020Source: Learning and Individual Differences, Volume 78Author(s): Patrick N. Beymer, Joshua M. Rosenberg, Jennifer A. SchmidtAbstractHaving choices during learning is often touted as beneficial for student motivation. However, it is not clear whether the motivating factor is choice or the act of pursuing tasks that are of greater interest, which is often afforded by choice. Using data collected via the Experience Sampling Method from 244 youth (ages 14–18) in the United States, we explore the effects of choice and interest on student engagement, affect, and learning in multiple high school science classrooms from a single high school. Results of multilevel modeling indicate that choice and interest are independently associated with engagement, affect and learning, though effect sizes are larger for interest. Momentary interest was also found to be a stronger predictor than initial interest. Further, the specific types of choices educators offer (e.g., who to work with, how to do an activity, how to allocate time) are differently associated with affect, learning, and engagement.
Source: Learning and Individual Differences - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research