Abstract:
Motivation has been said to be a major factor in determining student academic
performance, and in this study the researcher aimed to investigate the effects of
motivation on National Curriculum Vocational (NCV) students‟ academic performance at
Capricorn TVET College. Due to the nature of the study the researcher used mixed
research methods to collect data. The research findings revealed that motivation has an
effect on students‟ academic performance such that lack of motivation has been
identified as a major factor that contributes to poor academic performance among NCV
students. Lack of lecturer motivation, inadequate Learning, Teaching and Support
Materials (LTSM), lack of practical work were also identified as factors that can hinder
NCV students‟ motivation. The results also revealed that positive college culture and
positive student competition as well as giving of rewards or incentives to students are
the most effective motivational strategies to enhance students‟ motivation and can
assist in keeping students motivated. The study also determined that it would be
beneficial if lecturers use those strategies to motivate students. Alternative sustainable
motivational strategies are essential in order to keep students motivated and for them to
be able to perform well academically.
