Emily Rosenzweig, adjunct lecturer, Brown University Department of Education
It is critical to help students develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), yet many students do not take advantage of STEM learning opportunities or struggle in STEM courses. These issues are often motivational, such as when students experience boredom, frustration, or lack of confidence. Motivation refers to students' beliefs, values, goals, and energy that drive them towards or away from learning. This talk will discuss the role of motivation in students' learning of STEM subjects, focusing on two particular motivational beliefs: Beliefs that learning is valuable and beliefs about the negative aspects of learning (called cost). The talk will first discuss research demonstrating that value and cost beliefs are critical factors affecting students' math and science engagement and achievement. The talk then discusses intervention work aimed at increasing students' perceptions of value and reducing their perceptions of cost in order to promote their engagement and achievement in STEM courses.