THE ROLE OF MOTIVATION ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS

Abstract

This study was on the role of motivation on the academic performance of students. Three objectives were raised which included:  To determine the role of motivation on academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, to determine the extent teachers motivate their students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State and to assess the role of parental motivation on students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).

Chapter one

Introduction

1.1Background of the study

Motivation is difficult to define. The word “motivation” comes from a Latin word “movers” which means to move; thus motivation can literary mean the process of arousing movement in individual. It is a very important factor which determines how successful we are at what we do. It serves as a driving force that gives us the will to accomplish task and eventually succeed in reaching an ultimate goal. Motivation levels can vary each day depending on how we feel, or how we view certain experience. Motivation also drives us to stick to the low fact selections and recipes required to keep our progress moving. Motivation is an influential factor in teaching and learning process. The success of learning depends on high or low motivation of students. It can drive learners in reaching learning goal. Therefore, motivation is the key of success in enhancing teaching process. High or low students’ motivation can be influenced by some factors. First, it is influenced by social life where student lives. Second, it is influenced by the teacher. Third, it is influenced by the methods used. Fourth, it is influenced by the learning environments. In improving students’ motivation, we need to pay attention to some factors. First, we must set the interesting materials. Second, we must set goals that are meaningful, realistic and achievable for students. Third, we must set interesting environment. Finally, if we can apply all strategies in teaching-learning process, the students will reach learning goal easily.

Statement of the problem

The ultimate goal of teaching is to help learners develop desirable behaviours. Motivation is one of the instrument that will enable the teacher accomplish the goal. Adamu (2008) observed that motivation enable teachers achieve the aims and objectives of their lessons, make teaching interesting, enable students participate in the lesson and teachers will deliver their lessons within the shortest possible time. Motivation has the ability of arousing and sustaining learners’ curiosity and interest in teaching and learning. Bandurt (1997) has established that motivation promote a strong sense of self-efficiency on the learners. Gagne and Driscoll (1988) also noted that through motivation, learners can develop conviction that certain behaviour will produce a particular kind of performance outcome. Jibrin (2007) opined that motivation will be well in reducing the rates of school dropouts. Learners who are energized are anticipated to act in a certain manner that keeps the learner in the direction of increasing knowledge (Qureshi, 2001; Arkes and Garske, 1982). Despite the importance of motivation on students’ performance, it is a pity to observe that both parents and teachers find it difficult to motivate their wards/students. It was observed that most youths in Dange Shuni metropolis have little or no interest in school and the rate of school dropouts is increasing at alarming rate. This has affected students’ performance in both internal and external examination in secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. It is on this problematic situation that the researchers determine to carry out a research on the role of motivation on academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools (Army Day Secondary School, Government Day Senior Secondary School Shuni and Government Day Senior Secondary School Dange) in Dange Shuni Local Government of Sokoto State.

Objective of the study

The objectives of the study are;

1. To determine the role of motivation on academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
2. To determine the extent teachers motivate their students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
3. To assess the role of parental motivation on students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State

Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses are formulated to guide the study;

H1: There is no role of motivation on academic performance of students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State

H2: There is no role of parental motivation on students in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State

Significance of the study

This study is to determine the role of motivation on academic performance of students. This research work also will look at possible solutions and recommendations that will enhance performance of students in both internal and external examination. So many researches have been carried out in this direction but our study will help in adding to the literature and current issues. It is anticipated that the study will contribute in a significant manner to the body of knowledge related to increase learners’ performance through enhanced motivation. Through this study, the government will understand that motivation in teaching and learning is not only in a single direction. They will understand that provision of facilities and equipment’s for teaching, caring for teachers’ welfare, organizing of seminars and workshops and employment of qualified teachers will help in motivating teachers and improve their performance. This study will enable the educational planners to bear in mind the interest of the students and the community at large when preparing curriculum as it will serve as instrument for motivating both the teachers and the students in teaching and learning. This can only be achieved if teachers and students relationship skills are adequately reflected

Scope of the study

The scope of the study covers the role of motivation on the academic performance of students. The study will be limited to selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State

 Definition of Terms

1. Motivation: This is the process of stimulating people to actions to accomplish goals.
2.  Performance: This is the action or process of performing a task or function,
3. Teacher: A teacher is a person who teaches or instructs, especially as a profession or instructor.
4.  Students: A student is a learner or someone who attends an educational institution.
5.  School: A school is a place or a condition or an atmosphere where pupils interact with one another in other to achieve a predetermined goal.

Planner: A planner is a person who makes plans

Related Project Topics :