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The role of intrinsic motivation in the academic pursuits of nontraditional students
Author(s) -
Shillingford Shani,
Karlin Nancy J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
new horizons in adult education and human resource development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1939-4225
DOI - 10.1002/nha3.20033
Subject(s) - intrinsic motivation , psychology , mathematics education , pedagogy , self determination theory , social psychology , political science , autonomy , law
This article examines the role of intrinsic motivation in the academic pursuits of nontraditional students. The Academic Motivational Scale ( AMS ) was administered to 35 undergraduate students, 6 males and 29 females, aged 25 to 49 to explore their motivational orientations in choosing to attend college. The results of the study show that respondents endorsed more items of intrinsic motivation than extrinsic motivation or amotivation. Hence, the desire to demonstrate competence, a need for a sense of self determination, and the pleasure and satisfaction derived from the college experience played a greater role in nontraditional students’ academic pursuits than the external rewards such as career advancement. This information is important for college administrators in developing programs that cater to the needs of nontraditional students and facilitate degree attainment.