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Shifts in learning assistants' self-determination due to COVID-19 disruptions in Calculus II course delivery.
Hite, R L; Childers, G; Gottlieb, J; Velasco, R; Johnson, L; Williams, G B; Griffith, K; Dwyer, J.
  • Hite RL; College of Education, Texas Tech University, 3002 18th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Childers G; College of Education, Texas Tech University, 3002 18th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Gottlieb J; College of Education, Texas Tech University, 3002 18th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Velasco R; College of Education, The University of Iowa, 240 South Madison Street, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA.
  • Johnson L; Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences, Texas Tech University, Drane Hall #239, MS 1010, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Williams GB; College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41034, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Griffith K; STEM Teaching, Engagement and Pedagogy (STEP), Texas Tech University, P. O. Box 43131, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
  • Dwyer J; College of Education, Texas Tech University, 3002 18th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409 USA.
Int J STEM Educ ; 8(1): 55, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1470623
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The Learning Assistant (LA) model with its subsequent support and training has evidenced significant gains for undergraduate STEM learning and persistence, especially in high-stakes courses like Calculus. Yet, when a swift and unexpected transition occurs from face-to-face to online, remote learning of the LA environment, it is unknown how LAs are able to maintain their motivation (competence, autonomy, and relatedness), adapt to these new challenges, and sustain their student-centered efforts. This study used Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to model theoretical aspects of LAs' motivations (persistence and performance) both before and after changes were made in delivery of a Calculus II course at Texas Tech University due to COVID-19 interruptions.

RESULTS:

Analysis of weekly written reflections, a focus group session, and a post-course questionnaire of 13 Calculus II LAs throughout Spring semester of 2020 showed that LAs' reports of competence proportionally decreased when they transitioned online, which was followed by a moderate proportional increase in reports of autonomy (actions they took to adapt to distance instruction) and a dramatic proportional increase in reports of relatedness (to build structures for maintaining communication and building community with undergraduate students).

CONCLUSIONS:

Relatedness emerged as the most salient factor from SDT to maintain LA self-determination due to the COVID-19 facilitated interruption to course delivery in a high-stakes undergraduate STEM course. Given that online learning continues during the pandemic and is likely to continue after, this research provides an understanding to how LAs responded to this event and the mounting importance of relatedness when LAs are working with undergraduate STEM learners. Programmatic recommendations are given for enhancing LA preparation including selecting LAs for autonomy and relatedness factors (in addition to competence), modeling mentoring for remote learners, and coaching in best practices for online instruction.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Int J STEM Educ Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Language: English Journal: Int J STEM Educ Year: 2021 Document Type: Article