PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #21: Education.
Wednesday, August 8, 2001. Presentation from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Exhibition Hall
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Effect of student/scientist partnerships on student attitudes and motivation: Activity specific motivation versus broad-based shifts.
Evans, Celia1, Abrams, Eleanor2, Rock, Barret2, 1 2
ABSTRACT- Student/Scientist Partnerships have the potential to improve student attitudes and motivation toward science because of their association with authentic research projects. In this study, we examined the role of teacher, program, student, and classroom variables in affecting the attitudes and motivation of students involved in a well-established SSP. Data from observations, teacher and student surveys, selected interviews, and pre- and post-tests on student attitudes toward science (TOSRA) were collected. Each set of variables was analyzed separately in relation to student attitudes and motivation toward the SSP activities and toward science in general. Data were then analyzed to look for the combination of variables that resulted in the most positive (or negative) outcomes with regard to attitudes and motivation. While there was little effect on students' overall attitudes toward science as a result of having participated in the SSP, we found a significant improvement in the component of the TOSRA that addressed 'attitudes toward scientific inquiry', even though this SSP is not a true inquiry model. Motivated students cited perceived authenticity of the research, interest in local environmental health, and teacher interest and enthusiasm as primary reasons for their interest in the program. The distinction between general attitudes toward science and motivation in a science classroom is discussed
KEY WORDS: attitudes, motivation, TOSRA, Student/Scientist