Choosing Reading Passages for Vocabulary Learning by Topic to Increase Intrinsic Motivation

: Intrinsic motivation has been shown in previous research to lead to better learning. In order to increase intrinsic motivation, REAP, a tutoring system for ESL vocabulary was enhanced to prefer practice readings that match personal interests. In a randomized experiment, students receiving personalized readings indicated higher levels of interest in post-reading questionnaires. Additionally, overall post-test scores were higher (but not significantly) for students with interest-matched practice readings than for students using a previous version of REAP that did not match topics to student interests.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: AIED
• Authors: Michael Heilman, Alan Juffs, Maxine Eskenazi
• Keywords: AIED 2007, Artificial Intelligence, Intrinsic Motivation, Overall Post-test Scores, Practice Readings