Nonscience majors learning science: A theoretical model of motivation

Autor: Gita Taasoobshirazi, Shawn M. Glynn, Peggy Brickman
Rok vydání: 2007
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 44:1088-1107
ISSN: 1098-2736
0022-4308
1088-1107
DOI: 10.1002/tea.20181
Popis: A theoretical model of nonscience majors' motivation to learn science was tested by surveying 369 students in a large-enrollment college science course that satisfies a core curriculum requirement. Based on a social-cognitive framework, motivation to learn science was conceptualized as having both cognitive and affective influences that foster science achievement. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships among the variables. The students' motivation, as measured by the Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ), had a strong direct influence on their achievement, as measured by their science grade point average. The students' motivation was influenced by their belief in the relevance of science to their careers. This belief was slightly stronger in women than men. Essays by the students and interviews with them provided insight into their motivation. The model suggests that instructors should strategically connect science concepts to the careers of nonscience majors through such means as case studies to increase motivation and achievement. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 1088-1107, 2007 Keywords: biology; attitudes; cognitive science; achievement
Databáze: OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz: