'Universidad de Alicante Servicio de Publicaciones'
Abstract
Modelling is an important part of mathematical learning. One characteristic feature of modelling problems is their openness. In this study, we investigated the relationship between interest and performance in solving open modelling problems and closed real-world problems. We used questionnaires and tests to assess the interest and performance of 143 ninth- and 10th-grade students at different achievement levels. We found that low-achieving students were more interested in solving open modelling problems than closed real-world problems. Also, prior individual interest in mathematics and performance were positively related to situational (task-specific) interest. These results contribute to interest theories by underlining the importance of types of real-world problems and achievement levels for situational interest.This study was financially supported by German Research Foundation (GZs: RA 1940/2-1 and SCHU 2629/5-1)
