Comments on motivation in real-life, dynamic, and interactive learning environments - Theoretical and methodological challenges when researching motivation in context

Articles published in this special section report state-of-the-art research on motivation and related constructs by studying learners in authentic and dynamic situations. Each research team demonstrates the value of using multiple methodologies. I draw out four themes that illuminate critical issues in this area of research: First, learners hold multiple goals simultaneously. Second, holding multiple goals affords opportunities for self-regulation. Third, goals and motivation evolve over time, although we know little about the trajectory of this process. Fourth, investigations that adopt multiple methodologies create opportunities to accelerate progress in the field. I also offer an alternative interpretive stance, a cognitive one,for theorizing about these constructs. I attempt to stimulate alternative but not antithetical views for future research about motivational constructs and their relations to learners' participation in classroom activities and achievements.