The impact of motivation-related variables on scaffold use

The use of scaffolds lies at the core of the effectiveness of learning environments. In view of establishing a solid research agenda on the optimization of the use of scaffolds, this study aims at investigating the effects of motivational variables on scaffold use. More specifically, the effect of (a) achievement goal orientation and (b) self-efficacy on students' use of learning goals and postquestions were studied. One hundred and ten students in three conditions studied a science text in 50 minutes. Participants had to respond to learning goals and/or to postquestions. Their usage of these scaffolds was recorded in log files. The results revealed that quantity of scaffold use was influenced by achievement goal orientation and self-efficacy. Avoidance goal orientation and self-efficacy influenced quality of scaffold-use which in turn was found to predict students' posttest score. The results confirm the importance of motivational variables in scaffold use.status: publishe