Positive effects of challenging and supportive learning environments on student motivation, engagement and self-reported learning outcomes [Dataset]

Abstract

It is generally recognized that a challenging learning environment with the necessary supports will be stimulating for the student. However, there is a lack of studies that contribute to validate comprehensive models that help teachers to know how to stimulate their students. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms that explain the engagement and the positive results of challenging and supportive learning environments. During two academic years, the Sustainable Urban Race (SUR) project was analyzed. In this project, students from secondary schools should design and build an electric vehicle using solar energy. In the present study, an adaptation of the self-system model of motivational development (SSMMD) and a multigroup analysis of structural equations was applied. The data showed a positive association of the challenging and support-enriched context with the students' engagement, being partially mediated by the satisfaction of the competence needs, peer relationships and group autonomy. This study provides a comprehensive approach to develop and assess learning experiences providing inputs that will help teachers and educational managers organize and optimize educational experiences