Effects of competition in the conceptual physics classroom

Abstract

Student engagement has been an issue plaguing modern classroom across the country. Students who struggle academically tend to lack motivation to be an active participant in the classroom causing them to fall further behind, thus creating a positive feedback loop in which students that struggle become less and less involved in the classroom. Competition, despite its occasional negative press, can be a positive motivator for people and in particular students. This study investigated whether competition in various labs throughout a conceptual physics course positively impacted student engagement in the classroom. This study also investigated the effects of competition on student comprehension as well as its effects on the student's general attitude towards education. The results indicated that controlled, or adaptive competition increased student's engagement in the conceptual physics classroom and also positively impacted their attitudes towards school and their understanding of physical science on the conceptual level.