Predictors of Academic Motivation of Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Munge, Anne Muthoni
Mutweleli, Samuel Mutua
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Journal of Innovative Research (WJIR)
Abstract
What happens to students after transiting to high school? Many students, who pose good marks in their primary school, unfortunately, fail to record the same while in high school. This can be explained by a close examination of how motivated students are while in secondary school. The core purpose of this study was to investigate factors that may enhance a more sustainable academic motivation during the high school period so that students benefit from the educational process. Lack of motivation in studies while in secondary school has led to dismal performance in National exams, and many students do not benefit much even after the four years of secondary schooling. Such a concern called for an investigation. This study thus sought to investigate the predictors of Academic Motivation in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya. To accomplish this task, the study was guided by two research hypotheses. These included: There is a significant relationship between parental involvement and academic motivation in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. There is a significant relationship between school connectedness and academic motivation in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. The study made reference to Deci and Richard Ryan, Self-Determination Theory (1985). The study also made use of SPSS computer software for data analysis. The study also made use of descriptive survey design because it is useful in enabling the researcher to establish the relationship between the two predictor variables and their influence on Academic Motivation. Among the population, comprised of the form three students. The sample consisted of 240 students from 8 public schools who were selected through simple random sampling. The researcher also carried out a pilot study to check out if the respondents were consistent with the items provided in the questionnaire. Expert judgment was sought from the supervisor in developing and in the revising of the research instrument to ensure that there was validity and also to ensure that the research instrument yielded consistent results after repeated trials. Statistical Procedures were carried out using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The data was analyzed through the quantitative technique. The study revealed that students whose parents are concerned with their studies depicted higher levels of academic motivation. Students also recorded high levels of motivation if the school environment was conducive. If these factors were met and strategies laid down for implementation, many students would benefit academic-wise. Among the recommendations that emanated from the findings was that; parents should be enlightened on the need to get actively involved in the academic activities of their students. The teachers should strive to understand and meet the students’ needs while in school, this will motivate students to learn and eventually attain value for education, which is the core purpose of any education process.
Description
A research article published in World Journal of Innovative Research (WJIR)
Keywords
Self-Determination Theory, education process
Citation
Muthoni, M. A., & Mutweleli, S. M. Predictors of Academic Motivation of Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya.