Multiple solutions for real-world problems, and students' enjoyment and boredom

Emotions are important for learning. In a previous study, we found that students who constructed more solutions for real-word problems with vague conditions reported higher enjoyment and lower boredom (Schukajlow & Rakoczy, 2016). In the present study, we had students construct multiple solutions by applying multiple mathematical procedures to real-world problems, and we investigated effects on the enjoyment and boredom. 307 students were assigned to the experimental or control group. Students in the experimental group applied two mathematical procedures, and students in the control group applied one mathematical procedure to solve real-world problems. During the lessons, they were asked to report their enjoyment and boredom. Contrary to our expectations, the results revealed no effects of the intervention on students' enjoyment or boredom.