What Drives Science Learning? A Mixed-Methods Study on Secondary School Students’ Motivation

Authors : Fatma Karaçoban, Betül Karaduman

Pages : 1448-1479

Doi:10.14812/cuefd.1731720

View : 107 | Download : 139

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of the study is to determine the motivation levels of middle school students toward science learning and to reveal the components that affect their motivation based on students’ perspectives. In the study in which explanatory sequential design was used, Motivation Toward Science Learning Scale was used to collect quantitative data. Semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used to collect qualitative data. According to the findings, students\\\' motivation towards science learning was generally high at the 5th-grade level but lower at the 7th-grade level. It was found that students with higher motivation levels employed active learning strategies more frequently. The activities and materials used in the instructional process enhanced environmental stimulation, thereby increasing student motivation. These students perceived science-related knowledge as valuable for both their future and daily lives, and they exerted greater effort to succeed. Furthermore, they developed an awareness of current information, experienced increased learning motivation during lessons, and developed a sense of self-efficacy as a result of reaching cognitive satisfaction. It was also concluded that their performance was largely driven by the desire to attractthe teacher’s attention.
Keywords : Motivasyon, Fen öğrenme, Ortaokul öğrencileri, Karma yöntem

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