IDENTIFICATION OF KEY EXTRINSIC MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS

Abstract

Motivation is an internal state that arouse students to action, direct them to certain behavior. It also assist them maintaining that arousal and action with regard to behaviors important to the learning. Motivation increases the amount of effort and energy that a learners expand in his work directly related to their need and goals. There are two major approaches to motivate humans; one is extrinsic and other is intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation relates to the motivation that comes from outside of an individual. These motivating factors are external (outside) rewards such as money, praise positions or results/ grades etc. These rewards play important role in providing satisfaction and pleasure that the task itself cannot provide. Motivation is an important tool that is often under-utilized by universities in today's academic environment. Motivation is a very important factor in learning without which even talented students do not accomplish long-term goals, in spite of best curricula and best teacher. Institute of Space Technology (IST) is a pioneer institute in Pakistan offering undergraduate & graduate degrees in Aerospace and Communication Systems Engineering as its core disciplines. Space Engineering programs are very competitive and require a lot of hard work and motivation. The quality of the students directly affects the success of space engineering programs. Every year a large number of students apply for admission in space engineering program at IST. Institute needs to motivate best students to study in these programs and their active participation in the highly technical learning process. It is necessary to understand the factors that increase their extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation factors that are external to the personal feelings are the most important factors. Therefore in this research thesis an effort has been made to analyze/ identify the key extrinsic motivation factor that impact on learning and also to develop a strategic frame work for its improvement so that the students performance can be enhanced. _______________________________________________________________________ Identification of Key Extrinsic Motivational Factors having Impact on Learning among Students Pursuing Higher Technical Education and Development of a Strategic Frame Work for its Implementation iii A descriptive research technique was adapted to conduct a survey. Instrument of a study was a self designed questionnaire, developed by surveying the literature. Questionnaire has two parts. Section A includes extrinsic motivational factors for learning and section B includes Admissions. A total of 120 students from three departments of Institute of Space Technology were included to participate in the Questionnaire and they responded. Dominant extrinsic motivation factor (percentage wise) and (mean wise) score for all the motivational factors of student’s opinions were analyzed. Correlation was tested by using Pearson correlation relationship between all the extrinsic motivational factors and academic performance (CGPA) of the students. t-Test for all the extrinsic motivation between male and female students were analyzed to judge the difference their mean. Result enumerates that all the extrinsic motivational factors with gender do not have much significant differences. Finding of the study identified Parents, Jobs, Peer Group, University Environment (academic) and Instructor as a key extrinsic motivational factors on learning. Parents /family emerged as strongest relationship with the student’s performance. Considering all the key extrinsic motivational factors, a strategic frame work was developed to increase the motivation level of the student and enhance learning. This frame work for improvement was validated/ verified by the students and amended frame was reported. A strategy to implement this frame work was also developed. Recommendations have been made for all the stack holders to take several actions to improve the learning. SUPARCO should provide more funds, sponsorships and job opportunities for these high technical programs. Institute should improve its infrastructure and facilities and set up student career Office, Alumni office etc. Instructors should establish respected relationship with students and create positive and open environment in the class room. Parents should keep close eye on their children and regularly monitor attendance, marks of quizzes and assignments, grades by viewing on web. Students should integrate themselves into the studies, interact and develop network with peers, faculty, staff and management and should abide by an overall set of values, principles and regulations mandated by the Institute