Factors that Affect Student Motivation in Organic Chemistry: Measuring Correlations to Gauge Student Attitudes | Chapter 08 | Perspectives of Arts and Social Studies Vol. 1
Motivation is the personal investment that an individual has reaching a desired state or outcome. In learning, motivation influences the direction, intensity, persistence, and quality of learning behaviors in which students engage. To measure the motivation of students enrolled in undergraduate organic chemistry courses, a survey was developed to gauge student attitudes about the course value, self-efficacy, and class environment. The survey consisted of twelve statements to which respondents indicated agreement through a seven point Likert response scale. Since course value, self-efficacy, and a supportive class environment are all purported to be necessary factors to positively motivate students, pairwise correlations between the student responses were measured and assessed. Although correlation was generally found in responses to statements pertaining to a ...