Factors That Affect Motivation Among Adult Learners

Abstract

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.