Motivating Students

The major reoccurring topic this week was student motivation, so I would like to share this 2017 study entitled, "Quality Instruction as a Motivating Factor in Higher Education" by Sogunro.

The author found that out of the eight motivating factors:

• quality of instruction,

• quality of curriculum,

• relevance and pragmatism,

• interactive classrooms and effective management practices,

• progressive assessment and timely feedback,

• self-directedness,

• conducive learning environment, and

• effective academic advising practices,

rated by 119 adult learners, the quality of instruction emerged as the most valued.

Quality instruction was operationalized as when the instructor can effectively engage students in the learning process and relay relevant knowledge. It also should

• be dynamic and use different engagement approaches;

• evoke students’ interest, critical thinking, and learning in a meaningful way;

• makes students become curious and excited; and

• consequently enable them to take ownership of their own education.

Prior research by Schunk, Pintrich, and Meece (2008), has shown that motivated learners display interest in learning activities; feel self-efficacious; expend efforts to succeed; and persist at tasks. Further, Perry (1991) asserts that the success of college students is dependent on two most salient factors—“the attributes they bring with them to the classroom and the quality of instruction they receive.”

Sogunrol, O. (2017). Quality Instruction as a Motivating Factor in Higher Education. International Journal of Higher Education, 6 (4). Published by Sciedu Press 173 ISSN 1927-6044 E-ISSN 1927-6052. http://sciedu.ca/journal/index.php/ijhe/article/viewFile/11820/7473