Open AccessFactors That Affect Motivation Among Adult Learners
Author(s) -
Thomas M. Green,
Chandrika M. Kelso
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of college teaching and learning/journal of college teaching and learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2157-894X
pISSN - 1544-0389
DOI - 10.19030/tlc.v3i4.1729
Subject(s) - antecedent (behavioral psychology) , psychology , excellence , affect (linguistics) , variety (cybernetics) , action (physics) , social psychology , physics , communication , quantum mechanics , artificial intelligence , political science , computer science , law
Motivation is an internal force that energizes the individual for action and determines the direction of that action. Antecedent conditions (e.g. attitudes toward the subject, concern for academic excellence), and methodological or course design conditions (classroom variety, instructional activities, direct feedback) are variables that influence student motivation. This research presents the results of a survey (N=563) that examined the influence of personal, teacher behavior, and institutional-structural factors on adult students at the second largest private university in California. The results indicate that teacher behaviors are among those rated by students as having the most influence on their motivation to succeed.