Educators often compare quantitative scores on motivational traits across time (e.g., pre- and post-semester), yet few studies have examined the longitudinal measurement equivalence of such traits or described typical trajectories. Our research explored the longitudinal measurement of individual interest in two cohorts of an introductory animal…

In addition to stimulating interest through experiential means, educators can support interest development through structured reflection. Our randomized controlled intervention study assessed the effectiveness of 10-minute written utility-value reflections designed to enhance the interest of introductory animal science students. During the Spring…

The swift transition to remote learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic presented substantial challenges for both students and instructors in post-secondary natural sciences education. To examine teaching practices and student engagement during the emergency remote learning in the Spring 2020 semester, we surveyed 10 instructors and 261…

This study examines the interest, motivation, and behavioral engagement of college students in an introductory course relative to three instructional formats used in the course: hands-on, problem-based laboratory stations; problem-based written case studies; and video lectures. Groups of five to seven students were assigned learning activities as…