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ERIC Number: EJ1478376
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1450-104X
EISSN: EISSN-2077-2327
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Predictors of Change in Intrinsic Motivation Factors on Adolescent Science Learning
Moonika Teppo; Regina Soobard; Miia Rannikmäe
Science Education International, v36 n2 p117-126 2025
Non-cognitive factors, such as motivation, have shown to play a significant role in adolescences science learning. However, there is little longitudinal research investigating students' intrinsic motivation in science learning over school years. Based on self-determination theory, this study examines the change in, and associations between, students' intrinsic motivation factors, such as interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and perceived choice toward science learning over a 3-year period. Utilizing data from 171 lower secondary school students who have twice completed a self-reported questionnaire -- first in grade 6 and 3 years later in grade 9, the predictive associations of perceived competence and perceived choice on interest/enjoyment are examined across time using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that students' interest/enjoyment and perceived competence toward science learning significantly decrease over time, whereas the perceived level of choice remains the same. The results show that perceived choice significantly positively predicted the variance of interest/enjoyment and perceived competence, both in grades 6 and 9. However, perceived competence not directly predicted adolescents' interest/enjoyment in science learning. Based on the results, it is argued that there is a need to enhance students' perceptions of choice and competence for promoting interest and motivation in science learning at school.
International Council of Associations for Science Education. Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Education, Buca, Izmir 35150, Turkey. Tel: +90-532-4267927; Fax: +90-232-4204895; Web site: http://www.icaseonline.net/seiweb/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 6; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools; Grade 9; High Schools; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A