Impact of Student Motivation in Online Learning Activities

Authors

• Amy Lathrop, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Deana Namuth-Covert

Second Advisor

Donald Lee

Date of this Version

5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Under the supervision of Professors Deana Namuth-Covert and Donald Lee

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2011

Comments

Copyright 2011, Amy Lathrop. Used by permission

Abstract

With the prevalence of online learning in education for both distance and campus-based students, it is critical to determine how to design electronic learning materials that tailor to student motivation and facilitate learning.  Students were asked to complete an online plant breeding activity, motivation survey and an online learning quiz related to the activity.  The control group of students was those who elected not to complete the activity, while the experimental group of students chose to complete the activity.  Motivation scores were compared between control and experiment groups, courses, and gender using independent sample t-tests.  Pearson correlations were also used to determine if correlations existed between various motivational aspects, motivation aspects and quiz scores, or overall motivation and quiz scores. Data analysis revealed correlations between motivation and quiz score; self-efficacy and quiz score, and active learning strategies and quiz score.  Furthermore performance goal motivation does not differ between motivation levels.  Only a difference in learning environment stimulation between males and females was uncovered.  Using these findings instructors can better design online learning objects and alter the online learning environment to improve student performance in science education.

Advisers:  Deana Namuth-Covert and Donald Lee