Motivations of Students in a Freshman Computations and Communications Course

Jennifer Kruse, Dr. Dennis Buckmaster, Dr. Natalie Carroll, Dr. Neil KnoblochDepartment of Youth Development and Agricultural Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette , IN 47907

INTRODUCTION METHODS CONTINUED CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES

DEMOGRAPHICS & METHODS

Finding out what motivates people has long been a topic of study. Motivation can be categorized by levels such as high or low and into orientation of motivation such as intrinsic or extrinsic (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Intrinsic motivation is when a student does something for personal enjoyment or interest. Extrinsic motivation is when the activity is done for a specific goal or accomplishment (Nilsen, 2007). Students were asked to indicate what motivated them in general and with regard to the course. The students also circled what was their greatest overall motivation. The survey questions are shown to the right.

Research Question: What motivated the students in a freshman computations and communications course to learn?

Why? To improve teaching methodology to more fully engage the students.

Motivation Research Topics:• Levels of motivation (high or low) • Orientation of motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic)

Demographics:• Thirty-two Purdue students enrolled in

Computations and Communications (ASM 105), a required Ag Systems Management course• Five students were female and all were Caucasian

Methods:• Students were surveyed during the first three weeks

of the course (before the first exam)

High level of motivationThe most frequently reported general motivation was “good job or career” followed by “potential for higher income.” The most frequent course motivation was “obtaining a degree” and then “grades.” When asked to select a greatest overall motivation, “good job or career” was most frequently selected followed by “obtaining a degree” and “having knowledge.”

Low level of motivationThe least frequently reported general motivation was “inadequate current knowledge” followed by “practical topics.” In the course category, “potential for higher income” and “a challenge” were the least frequent. In the greatest overall motivation five motivations were never selected: grades, potential for higher income, inadequate current knowledge, self satisfaction of accomplishment, and a challenge.

Orientation• Highest motivations tended to be extrinsic (good

job or career, potential for higher income , etc.)• Lowest motivations tended to be intrinsic (a

challenge, practical topics, etc.)

Future Directions• Statistical differences between intrinsic and

extrinsic motivations• How ASM 105 motivations compare to similar

classes at Purdue and other universities

1. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25, 54-672. Nilsen, H. (2007). Motivation and learning strategies of IS students: From theory to practice. Computer Science and IT Education Conference, 521-535

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General Course Greatest Overall

Survey Questions Given to Students in ASM 105

Frequencies of Students’ Motivation to Learn

RESULTS

What motivates you to learn?(check all that apply)

In general With regard to this course

Obtaining a degree □ □

Good job or career □ □

Grades □ □

Hands-on activities □ □

Having knowledge □ □

Interesting topics □ □

Potential to make life easier □ □

Potential for higher income □ □

Inadequate current knowledge □ □

Practical topics □ □

Nothing (don’t check any other box if you choose this one)

□ □

Self satisfaction of accomplishment □ □

A challenge □ □