Learning-oriented motivation: Examining the impact of teaching practices with motivational potential.

This study compares the predictive ability of nine different types of motivational practices on the motivational orientation toward learning. Given the nature of undergraduate studies, identifying the most predictive motivational variables on learning orientation allows us to focus our efforts on those motivational practices to guide students to deploy their cognitive resources by focusing on learning and not only on obtaining good grades. The study included Chilean university students from health (n = 398) and education (n = 365) programs. A Bayesian multiple regression was carried out in both groups. The results show strong evidence of a specific effect of motivational practices on motivational orientation towards learning. Although the impact on motivational orientation toward learning may vary slightly across different fields of study, the primary predictors consistently are practices that emphasize importance and foster autonomy. The effect of utility-focused motivational practices is observed only within the predictive model for the group of health students.

Academic Engagement in Preservice Teachers: Motivational Variables for a Chilean sample / Compromiso académico en futuros profesores: variables motivacionales en una muestra chilena

Abstract This quantitative study examines how pre-service teachers' personal motivations are related to engagement. Subjects were pre-service teachers (n=764) enrolled in nine Chilean universities. Multiple linear regression analysis and path analysis were conducted. Controlling for demographic and academic variables, we show a motivational variables model that significantly predicts engagement. Results indicate strong, positive relationships between engagement and expectancy/value components of motivation for professional training, task value of motivation for academic reading, and intellectual curiosity. Although weaker predictors of engagement, motivation to become a teacher and motivation to teach were still statistically significant and mediated other variables. Overall, the model shows good fit. The results of the present study call for, at least within the Chilean context, the careful consideration that "motivation to become a teacher" or "motivation to teach" may not be enough to explain the teacher training engagement.

Resumen Este estudio cuantitativo examina la relación entre diversas variables motivacionales y el compromiso académico en futuros docentes. Los participantes correspondieron a futuros profesores (n=764) de nueve universidades chilenas. Se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal múltiple y análisis de ruta. Se controlaron las variables demográficas y académicas y se propuso un modelo causal con variables motivacionales que predicen significativamente el compromiso académico. Los resultados muestran una relación fuerte y positiva entre el compromiso y los componentes de expectativa / valor de la motivación para la formación profesional, el valor de la tarea para la lectura académica y la curiosidad intelectual. Aunque las variables motivación para llegar a ser profesor y la motivación por enseñar resultaron predictores débiles del compromiso, fueron estadísticamente significativas y mediaron otras variables motivacionales. En general, el modelo muestra un buen ajuste. En conclusión, los resultados del presente estudio alertan de que, al menos dentro del contexto chileno, la consideración de las variables "motivación para convertirse en maestro" o "motivación por enseñar" pueden no ser suficientes para explicar el compromiso académico durante la formación inicial de los docentes.