Interplay of prior knowledge, self-regulation and motivation in complex multimedia learning environments

H. S. Song, A. L. Kalet, J. L. Plass

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of medical clerkship students' prior knowledge, self-regulation and motivation on learning performance in complex multimedia learning environments. The data from 386 medical clerkship students from six medical schools were analysed using structural equation modeling. The structural model revealed that medical students' prior knowledge directly positively affected their learning outcome, self-efficacy and performance approach goal orientation. The learners' self-regulation had a significant positive direct effect on learning outcome. The learners' mastery goal orientation directly affected their learning outcome. Interestingly, inconsistent with our hypothesis, the learners' performance approach goal orientation showed a significant negative direct effect on learning outcome, and performance avoidance goal orientation had a significant positive effect on learning outcome. These findings help develop a more comprehensive understanding of the role of individual characteristics on learning performance of complex tasks in multimedia learning environments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31-50
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2016

Keywords

  • Computer-based learning
  • Medical education
  • Motivation
  • Prior knowledge
  • Self-regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Interplay of prior knowledge, self-regulation and motivation in complex multimedia learning environments'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this