The effects of motivation on student academic performance in Capricorn College for Technical and Vocational Education and Training

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.