Student attitudes toward a specific discipline affect their
learning (Osborne et
al., 2003). Preheld attitudes such as
interests, beliefs, confidence, and self-efficacy, may impact
how students approach learning (e.g., effort, problem-solving
strategies, study habits, and critical thinking) within that discipline
(Gal and Ginsburg, 1994; Perkins et
al., 2005; Partin and
Haney, 2012). To facilitate learning, it is therefore important
that educators familiarize themselves with student attitudes
and associated behaviors (i.e., approach toward learning), as
well as the factors that may influence these attitudes.