RESUMO
The Elementary School Motivation Scale (ESMS) is the only validated and adapted instrument to assess motivation in early ages and in specific domains using the Self-Determination Theory. The present study aims to validate the ESMS in Spanish population (ESMS-E). To this end, 1,190 students from the first half of Elementary education (6-10 years old) filled in the ESMS-E. To translate the instrument the back translation method was used. Internal consistency was assessed through composite reliability (CR), correlations among the dimensions and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to analyze the theoretical structure proposed by the original instrument. Results showed optimal internal consistency in the different dimensions (CR = 0.701-0.901) and showed a great fit for the model (RMSEA = 0.064, CFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.913), confirming the original model with nine dimensions and the self-determination continuum. The ESMS-E is valid and reliable in the Spanish version. This validation offers a tool for researchers interested in exploring the motives that drive students in early stages in relation to specific learning domains (i.e., reading, writing and mathematics).
RESUMO
What role could have intrinsic motivation toward reading in an extraordinary situation like the recent confinement? This research examines the relationship between intrinsic reading motivation (IRM) and reading habits in an adult population considering types of reading (for leisure, work/study, social networks, and news), gender, and distress generated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants were 3,849 adults from Spain who were surveyed about their reading practices: before, during the first weeks, and after several weeks of confinement. Linear mixed effects models (LMMs) were used to analyze data. Results showed a three-way interaction between reading frequency, IRM, and type of reading. Also, distress seems to pose a differential impact depending on the type of reading. The higher the IRM, the lesser the time devoted to study/work reading and the more to social and news reading (at the beginning of confinement). In this sense, IRM can function as a protective factor of reading behavior but only for leisure reading. Results support previous findings of the importance of consciously promoting this type of motivation in all individuals beyond educational contexts, since it seems to be positively related to well-being. Other results and implications are discussed.
RESUMO
Esta investigación aporta datos sobre la motivación en edades tempranas y su impacto sobre el rendimiento matemático, incluyendo a la familia como agente educativo esencial. Se obtuvo una muestra de 127 alumnos de 1º de Educación Primaria y sus progenitores. Se evaluó el rendimiento de los estudiantes y sus diferentes tipos de motivación (intrínseca, identificada y controlada), las prácticas matemáticas formales e informales en el hogar y la importancia percibida respecto a ese contenido. Los datos sugieren que los alumnos distinguen especialmente las formas de motivación más autodeterminadas (intrínseca e identificada). La motivación identificada guarda una relación significativa con el rendimiento matemático. La importancia percibida de los padres respecto a las matemáticas predice el desarrollo de una motivación intrínseca hacia dicho contenido, mientras que la práctica formal predice el desarrollo de una preocupante motivación controlada. En cuanto al rendimiento, encontramos una relación significativa negativa con las prácticas informales del hogar
The present study offers data on motivation at early ages and its impact on math achievement, including family as an essential educational agent. The sample consisted of 127 first grade students and their parents. Students achievement and their different types of motivation (intrinsic, identified, and controlled) were assessed, as well as math formal and informal practices at home and perceived importance of that content. Results suggest that students differentiate better the more self-determined types of motivation (intrinsic and identified). Identified motivation is significantly correlated to math achievement. Parents perceived importance towards math promotes the development of an intrinsic motivation for that content, while formal practices at home are related to the development of a controlled motivation. Finally, a significant negative relation is found between achievement and informal practices at home
