Developing a new course guided by students’ perceived motivational climate. Insights from higher education in Iceland

This mixed methods study aimed to employ students’ perceptions of motivational factors and attained learning goals in developing and improving a nursing course in communication in health care and patient education. Data was collected from two consecutive cohorts of students (N = 144) using the MUSIC® Model of Motivation Inventory, which measures factors, namely eMpowerment, Usefulness, Success, Interest, and Caring, that, when present, motivate students to engage in their studies. The survey also included five items regarding students’ belief in their possibilities of developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the course. A focus group that was conducted after the first cohort responded to the survey provided a deeper understanding of the results. This information aided in further course development. In the subsequent survey, the second cohort had a statistically higher score for three of the five motivation factors (U, S, and I, p < 0.01) than the first cohort, as well as a higher interest score for appreciation of teaching methods (p < 0.05). Students’ belief in attaining learning goals, such as problem-solving skills, was also statistically higher for the second cohort (p < 0.05). We recommend using the MUSIC Inventory to gain students’ feedback to develop or improve courses.