@article {638, title = {INTEREST OF LATVIAN AND LITHUANIAN STUDENTS IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS}, journal = {Journal of Baltic Science Education}, volume = {17}, year = {2018}, month = {February/2018}, pages = {Continuous}, type = {Original article}, chapter = {31-42}, abstract = {Interest is one of the most important components for a successful teaching/learning process; unfortunately, nowadays students{\textquoteright} interest in science and mathematics is decreasing. The aim of the research is to explore the cognitive interest of 15-year- old students in science and mathematics. Students in Latvia and Lithuania participated in the survey; the data show that students{\textquoteright} cognitive interest in this area in both countries is mediocre. The factor analysis was used to single out four main dimensions of the cognitive interest {\textendash} interest in the context, interest in mathematics, inquiry interest and enthusiasm. Students{\textquoteright} interest is higher in issues connected with practical life, the solution of real problems, but much lower if the problem to be solved needs effort, if they have to use mathematical tools. Enthusiasm is not characteristic for students. Only few respondents are willing to engage in science and mathematics in their leisure time. Latvian and Lithuanian students show slight differences in their interests. There are more Lithuanian students, who like mathematics and who are not afraid of difficulties. Latvian students, in their turn, show greater enthusiasm. }, keywords = {cognitive interest, science and mathematics, teaching/learning process}, issn = {1648-3898}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/18.17.31}, url = {http://oaji.net/articles/2017/987-1519059864.pdf}, author = {Dagnija Cedere and Inese Jurgena and Vilija Targamadze} } @article {443, title = {COGNITIVE INTEREST: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS IN THE ACQUISITION OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS IN SCHOOLS OF LATVIA}, journal = {Journal of Baltic Science Education}, volume = {14}, year = {2015}, month = {August/2015}, pages = {Continuous}, type = {Original article}, chapter = {424{\textendash}434}, abstract = {Cognitive interest is a vital learning motive for the successful learning process. Nowadays students{\textquoteright} interest about science and mathematics are decreasing. The aim of the study is to explore the cognitive interest of Grade 9 students in science and mathematics. Students were surveyed and it helped to explore the respondents{\textquoteright} cognitive activity and the cognitive interest regarding the understanding of causal relations, research activity and the solution of practical problems. The level of cognitive interests on the three level scales is average for the whole sample of respondents. The survey shows that students do not possess explicit cognitive activity; learning happens rather passively, without initiative; however, they have rather pronounced interest to explore and solve problems connected with the real life. Some implications for teachers on how to increase learners{\textquoteright} cognitive interest are provided in the conclusion. }, keywords = {cognitive interest, learning process, science and mathematics}, issn = {1648-3898}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/15.14.424}, url = {http://oaji.net/articles/2016/987-1479497805.pdf}, author = {Dagnija Cedere and Inese Jurgena and Ineta Helmane and Inta Tiltina-Kapele and Gunita Praulite} }