Online learning, classroom quality, and student motivation: Perspectives from students, teachers, parents, and program staff

Abstract

The purpose of this concurrent mixed-methods study was to assess the quality of online learning with a focus on student motivation in the context of a talent development program. Data were collected from 221 Indian students from fifth to tenth grades for three academic years during their participation in 14 online and 10 in-person courses. Students, teachers, and parents responded to a measure of classroom quality assessing five constructs—appeal, meaningfulness, academic self-efficacy, challenge, and choice. In addition, 41 online sessions were observed by program staff using an additional measure of instructional quality. Participants rated online learning to be highly supportive of learning motivation. No significant differences were observed in student motivation by program format, gender, or program level. Qualitative analysis revealed specific affordances and challenges in supporting student motivation in online learning. Implications in the context of out-of-school programs for students with intellectual gifts and talents are discussed.