Exploring the Intersection of Emotions and Epistemic Engagement

Abstract

This symposium explores the complex relationship between emotions and epistemic engagement across diverse learning contexts. Emotions, integral to cognitive processes, can enhance epistemic engagement by triggering curiosity, focus, and critical evaluation, especially when knowledge-building is the goal. This session will present studies on the relationships between emotions and epistemic cognition, within different thematic areas, such as social media interactions, bioinformatics education, data-infused interdisciplinary learning, and knowledge-building collaborative online platforms. Each presentation aims to uncover the roles emotions play in fostering or inhibiting epistemic actions. The discussant will synthesize insights from these studies to shed light on the generative potential of emotions in supporting critical and reflective engagement. The outcomes of this symposium can deepen our understanding of the role emotions can play in fostering epistemic engagement in formal and informal settings.