Advisor
Suits, Jerry
Committee Member
Zhao, Hua
Committee Member
Apawu, Aaron
Committee Member
Jameson, Molly
Department
College of Natural and Health Sciences; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chemical Education
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
5-2020
Extent
132 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Abstract
“Flow” is a mental state in which a person experiences an optimal performance of an activity, when they are completely immersed in it. The flow state is characterized by a feeling of confidence, and the activity seems to be effortless. A person enters a state of flow when their skills performing a task (activity) matches its level of difficulty. They perceive that the task is neither too easy nor too difficult. Flow state experiences have been connected to increased levels of performance in domains such as athletics and music, as well as in academic domains such as learning foreign language. However, prior to my investigations, there has been little research examining flow state experiences within the context of chemistry. Through my work, utilizing a mixed methods research design, I have been able to establish a connection between students’ flow state experiences and their performance in second semester general chemistry. The pilot study included data from 157 participants, and the dissertation study included data from 150 participants. Additionally, I examined how students’ approaches to learning are related to both their flow state experiences and their performance. Qualitative data from student interviews allowed us to gain deeper insight into the quantitative findings. Based on these findings, I can offer possible instructional strategies that can be implemented to facilitate students to enter this optimal state of flow.
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Local Identifiers
Kemats_unco_0161D_10837.pdf
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
