Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigates the relationships between students’ motivational constructs and emotional responses during the mathematical modelling process. Drawing upon situated expectancy-value theory and control-value theory, the study explores how intrinsic value, utility value and expectancy are linked to students’ emotions, including enjoyment, curiosity, boredom and anxiety. The findings reveal that intrinsic value is of great relevance to positive emotions, particularly enjoyment and curiosity, while expectancy supports positive emotions and reduces boredom and anxiety. Utility value interacts with expectancy, fostering curiosity among students with lower confidence levels. The study also examines the role of gender and prior achievement in shaping emotional experiences. Boys reported higher boredom but lower anxiety compared to girls, and higher-achieving students experienced less boredom and anxiety while demonstrating greater curiosity. These results underscore the importance of curiosity as a central emotional response in mathematical modelling tasks as well as its potential to engage students and promote deeper learning. The findings contribute to theoretical frameworks by bridging situated expectancy-value theory and control-value theory, illustrating the interplay between motivation and emotions during complex problem-solving. Regarding practical implications, the findings emphasise the need for carefully designed modelling tasks that balance cognitive challenge, relevance to real-world contexts and opportunities for student autonomy to foster motivation and engagement. By addressing both motivational and emotional dimensions, this study provides insight into effective learning environments for mathematical modelling.
Source: ZDM
Authors: Xiaoli Lu, Xin Chen, Yi Chen, Gabriele Kaiser
Institutions: East China Normal University, Universität Hamburg
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funder: Universität Hamburg
OpenAlex ID: W7124260837