Significance of Cultural and Motivation Variables on Students’ Attitudes Towards Group Work

Abstract

The present study aimed at developing a better understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of students' appraisals of group assignments in relation to cultural and motivational variables. Findings of interaction effects of cultural and motivational variables on students' appraisals of group assignments would have important implications for theory development as well as for improvement of educational practice in multicultural classrooms. Ss were 274 Australian-born and 240 Singaporean- or Malaysian-born undergraduate students studying in Australia. Results highlighted the usefulness of breaking down the concept of appraisals of group assignments into distinct aspects. While students' appraisals of the cognitive aspects of group assignments appeared generally positive, their appraisals of the managerial and group assessment aspect were rather negative. Also, other aspects attracted positive or negative appraisals depending on students' cultural background and on interaction with their motivational profile. Findings stress the importance for teachers working with international, multicultural classrooms to develop sound understanding of how different self-systems affect learning and motivation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)