Why Assess Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values?
There is evidence that learners attach attitudes, beliefs, and values to their knowledge (Bandura, 1977). These attitudes, beliefs, and values influence motivation and shape behavior. Motivation often plays a significant role in the learning process. Some researchers and practitioners believe that there is a strong interrelationship between motivation and learning (Ames & Ames, 1984; Dweck, 1986; Keller, 1987; McCombs, 1984). Some view motivation as the driving force for learning; others view the process in the reverse. Still others claim that the relationship is cyclical, with motivation and learning influencing each other (West, Farmer, & Wolff, 1991). Of primary importance to practitioners are performance improvement and the factors contributing to performance improvement. Because attitudes, beliefs, and values influence motivation and learning and, thus, effect student performance, it is imperative to obtain feedback from the major stakeholders in the educational environment the st
