1. Students' Motivation toward Learning Physical Science--A Case from Four Classes of Taiwanese Students.
- Author
-
Tuan, Hsiao-Lin and Chin, Chi-Chin
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore four classes of junior high school students' learning motivation toward a physical science course in central Taiwan. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in the study. Students' physical science learning motivation questionnaire (SPSLMQ), modified from multiple dimensions of a motivation instrument (Uguroglu, Schiller, and Walberg, 1981), was developed in the study. It included achievement, affiliation, self-concept, mastery, and locus of control scales. Another questionnaire, consisting of 11 items, was designed to assess students' perceptions toward physical science. Findings from classroom observation, interviews and questionnaire surveys revealed that students think they need to take major responsibility for their own physical science learning. Although students had moderate curiosity about the nature phenomena around them, they did not persist in elaborating their understanding beyond classes, which influenced their physical science learning outcomes. Besides low mastery motivation, students also had a low score on their performance in physical science. Many students' reasons for learning physical science were related to instrumental interests such as knowing more information, preparing for tests, or for attending better schools. Students expressed that having low-pressure learning contexts and lab experiences could motivate them in learning. They agree that teachers' teaching can influence their motivation in learning. Suggestions for science teaching are discussed in the paper. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/ASK)
- Published
- 2000