The Impact Of Student Motivation On College Students

Why are some students more motivating to pass than other students? Some students have a challenge with their self and some not. Can you consider for five minutes in which kind you are? However, everyone like to be the best in this world, but if you will not come your class, do not do your homework, or you cheating from your friends how you will be good college student? Some students failing their courses because they do not have enough attention in class, they broken rules, and they do not study

American education system has thrived in teaching on extrinsic motivators: such as, the ability to work on a timely basis and the completion of work or tasks; when the best type of education is achieved through intrinsic motivation, having children learn because they want to learn the subject, instilling pride in the work that is accomplished.

Intrinsically motivated behaviours are behaviours or tasks that are displayed or completed with no apparent reward other than the activity itself (Deci, 1975). Intrinsic motivation is fueled by personal enjoyment, interest or pleasure. In a classroom setting, intrinsic motivation refers to the student completing an activity or displaying a desired behaviour purely for its inherent satisfaction (Ryan and Deci, 2000, as cited in Oudeyer and Kaplan, 2007). Salmon (2007), states that intrinsic motivation enhances enquiry and can lead to high levels of learning. Intrinsically motivated students typically enjoy the challenges of learning new skills or information, are likely to advance their learning with a mastery-approach, thought to develop a greater understanding of their learning and appear more resistant to discouragement in the event of a poor grade (Hoskin and Newstead, 2009, as cited in Murray, n.d).

Every individual has goals and dreams they would like to accomplish. Sometimes it might be long term or short term achievements. The question is will the goal be achieve because the individual wants it or will it be

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the academic success of a student in college – motivation, learning preferences/styles, socioeconomic status, whether or not the student is a first generation college student, gender, and even race. With so many factors potentially contributing or hindering a student’s academic success in college; it is important for teachers to attempt to connect with students in the classroom. Adjusting instructional methods that focus on students’ learning preferences/styles can increase student motivation and can lead to academic success.  Studies have been conducted to determine if teaching methods, learning preferences/styles and motivation can predict academic success in college. Some of the challenges facing educators in college classrooms across the nation include: how to make valuable connection with students, understanding students’ learning preferences/styles, motivating students and promoting student academic success. When effective instructional methods are used in correlation with focusing on students’ learning preferences/styles and incorporating current technology – student motivation and academic success increases.  Understanding the purpose of motivation in the classroom, the different learning preferences/styles of the students, how to incorporate new instructional methods and using current technology can ultimately lead to positive student outcomes such as increased academic motivation and success.

Determining what motivates individual students and engages them in a classroom, is as essential as it is challenging. In a classroom setting, faculty must know how to use motivation and engagement together to enhance students’ learning outcomes (Woolfolk & Margetts, 2007). Although student engagement is seen as a necessary element for learning, it needs the support of motivation to serve as a prerequisite. Furthermore, motivation sets the foundation for implementing learner-centered approaches to learning. Unfortunately today’s teachers are confronted by larger class sizes, fast-paced academic calendars, and standardized assessments that force them to lump all students together (Toshalis & Michael, 2012).

Harlen and Crick (2003) indicate that with intrinsic motivation, the student typically has a “deeper” learning of the topic and has a more self-regulated learning which is important for continued learning both within and outside of school.

From a social perspective, learner motivation is most fully realized in a safe and engaging classroom climate. This is a classroom without tension, where students feel encouraged to express their feelings without the fear of mockery, and where mutual respect is apparent not just between students and teacher, but also amongst the students themselves. Students require opportunities to challenge themselves coupled with sufficient backing and encouragement in their learning efforts from the teacher. Students must understand what is required of them to be better able to undertake given tasks.

Now, speaking about what motivated the student, there are two types of motivation intrinsic and extrinsic.

Teachers should show that they care about their students by being kind, showing compassion and asking about students’ life’s outside of the classroom setting. I agree with Lavoie when he discusses how teachers should ask questions about student’s personal life’s because this way students can feel like they have a special connection with their teacher. Out of all of these motivational approaches, I feel like I am a student who is motivated by people. For example, when an adult figure in my life, like my parents for instance compliment me on my achievements, I feel way better about myself and I feel accomplished for making them proud. The six motivational approaches Lavoie describes help motivate all different types of students.

One of commonly studied types of motivation is intrinsic and extrinsic, and the difference between them has played significant part on both developmental and educational practices. Intrinsic motivation remains an important concept, reflecting the natural human susceptibility to learn and adapt (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Intrinsic motivation is defined as the behavior of an individual that is being stimulated by internal rewards. The motivation to involve in a behavior arises from within the individual because it is rewarding intrinsically, (Cherry, 2015).

The current state of education puts little emphasis on intrinsic motivation yet asks “how can I motivate my students?” “Children are intrinsically motivated to learn, to undertake challenges, and to solve problems” (Deci & Ryan, p. 11) and this is the theme of the research. Intrinsic motivation is already built into the child since birth and it is the education system that is tearing it down. Teachers believe that extrinsic motivation or using rewards will improve the outcome of the task and will motivate the students to continue. Which in truth, the learning environments need to be less controlled and learners should have a choice about their learning, content should be relevant to them and interesting, and they must feel accepted in the classroom.

Before focusing on rewards and its impact on student motivation, it is important to discuss the various ways in which one can become motivated. Internally created by

Being able to read is important, not only for academic success but also as a general life skill that is necessary in a literate society (McGeown, 2013). Due to its significance, it is crucial to identify ways to develop children’s reading through engagement in reading activities. Research confirms that student motivation is a key factor in successful reading (Gambrell & Marinak, 2009) and without the motivation to read, even a competent student will not have the drive to read. Therefore, it is essential for children to develop their reading skills.

Internal motivation is said to be intrinsic motivation. According to (Carol, 2013), intrinsic motivation refers to the pleasure one gets from the task itself or from the sense of satisfaction in completing or even working on a task. However, extrinsic motivation is related to rewards such as salary and bonuses where it is given to employees by managers. Both of these motivations convince a person to put their effort towards his or her goals.