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Situational or Personal: Interest in American History

Stewart, Victoria Caterina

Abstract Details

2010, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Curriculum and Instruction.

The main purpose of the study was to investigate how individuals with a stated interest in American history described their interest. Understanding interest and the factors influencing interest development in a particular content is important as personal interest has been described as “having a critical role in the learning and development of both younger and older students” (Renninger, 1992, p. 393). Lack of interest in American history has been described as problematic, and there is a paucity of research addressing this issue.

The study used a sequential two-phase mixed-method approach, using survey and interview to investigate the meaning of interest. Overall, results revealed the complex nature of interest in the content and factors both inside and outside the classroom as relevant. Factors stated as important included significant others, place, story, storytelling, patriotism, and valuing knowledge. Additionally, results of a multiple regression suggested the importance of classroom activities to interest as classroom content.

Robert Schultz, PhD (Committee Chair)
Kevin Pugh, PhD (Committee Member)
Michael Verdi, PhD (Committee Member)
Brenda Wolodko, PhD (Committee Member)
263 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Stewart, V. C. (2010). Situational or Personal: Interest in American History [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271434513

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Stewart, Victoria. Situational or Personal: Interest in American History. 2010. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271434513.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Stewart, Victoria. "Situational or Personal: Interest in American History." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271434513

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)