About the Project

This action research project proceeds through the following stages (for each of the 4 groups of academic staff participants):

The baseline data sources include: a student motivation and interest survey, student demographics, student focus groups, student evaluations (USE), and an interview with the unit of study coordinator.

The professional learning intervention involves unit of study coordinators and members of their teaching teams attending two staff development workshops. The first workshop provides an introduction to the project and some of the motivation and interest constructs being explored, as well as an opportunity to examine the student survey data from one's own unit of study and begin to develop strategies for enhancing student motivation and interest in the local context (in light of research findings). Workshop 2 involves further refinement of implementation of strategies, with reference to the research literature and in discussion with colleagues from across the University.

The post-intervention data sources mirror those of the baseline collection.

It is anticipated that academic staff participants in the project will:

• Gain experience in a research-led approach to teaching
  
• Become familiar with motivation and interest concepts
  
• Build links with other teachers throughout the University
  
• Develop a greater appreciation for the student perspective in learning and teaching

It is anticipated that student participants will:

• Gain an awareness of how their motivation and interest influences their learning and achievement
  
• Gain an appreciation for the influences they, the learning environment, and their teachers can have on their motivation and interest

The Human Research Ethics Committee approved the Developing Student Motivation and Interest Project on 15 April 2008.

Funding has been granted by the University of Sydney through the Teaching Improvement and Equipment Scheme (TIES).