ERIC Number: EJ1399612
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-3085
EISSN: EISSN-1520-6807
The Potential Power of "Studygram": Concrete Visual Representations May Increase Student Motivation, Engagement, and Enjoyment of Routine Course Assignments
Lussier, Catherine M.; Ditta, Annie S.; Speer, Annika C.
Psychology in the Schools, v60 n12 p4841-4856 2023
Students are often unmotivated to engage with their online coursework. Research has shown that concretely visualizing one's goals (e.g., photo-taking) can improve motivation to learn. This study explored the effect of taking a photo of one's study space (i.e., a "studygram" photo similar to a post on Instagram) on students' motivation to start, engagement with, and enjoyment of routine assignments. In a within-subjects design, students took a photo of their study space before starting or after completing the assignment or took no photo. Data were collected from six undergraduate courses across three disciplines (Education, Psychology, and Theatre). Results revealed that students in an online Education course completing routine and formulaic assignments were significantly more motivated to start their coursework when they took a photo compared to when they did not. Results were similar for student engagement and enjoyment. Outcomes were replicated in the course's second iteration but were not found in the Psychology or Theatre courses. Differences between the courses' formatting may have lessened the impact of photo-taking on students' experiences. Together our results suggest that motivation and engagement with routine coursework may be influenced by an easy-to-implement visualization intervention under certain circumstances. Potential implications for teaching are reviewed.
Descriptors: Visualization, Visual Aids, Learning Motivation, Learner Engagement, Assignments, Photography, Undergraduate Students, Psychology, Theater Arts, Education Majors
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A