This dissertation investigates student interest in the context of problem-based learning (PBL). It aligns the agenda of advancing interest theory with using research to make a difference in classrooms. The dissertation includes five empirical studies which are guided by a design-based research approach. The findings highlight the dynamics of motivation-in-context experiences and they identify specific affordances of PBL activities which foster students’ interest thereby extending the empirical basis for the motivational design of PBL environments.     «

This dissertation investigates student interest in the context of problem-based learning (PBL). It aligns the agenda of advancing interest theory with using research to make a difference in classrooms. The dissertation includes five empirical studies which are guided by a design-based research approach. The findings highlight the dynamics of motivation-in-context experiences and they identify specific affordances of PBL activities which foster students’ interest thereby extending the empirical b...     »