SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO CULTIVATE INTRINSIC MOTIVATION FOR UNIVERSITY ONLINE CLASSES

Abstract

The transition to online education in recent years has presented both opportunities and challenges for students in higher education. One critical aspect of successful online learning is fostering intrinsic motivation among students, as it plays a vital role in driving engagement, persistence, and academic achievement. This study explores the significance of supporting students to build their intrinsic motivation within the context of university online classes. When students possess a high level of intrinsic motivation, they exhibit a greater sense of autonomy, initiative, and mastery in their learning experiences. Online classes, however, can pose unique barriers to fostering intrinsic motivation due to the absence of face-to-face interaction, decreased social connectedness, and limited opportunities for immediate feedback. To address these challenges, educators and institutions must implement strategies to support students in cultivating and sustaining their intrinsic motivation throughout online learning journeys. The study employs and combines content analysis with a questionnaire-based quantitative analysis, which allows researchers to gather rich insights from textual data while also obtaining numerical data for statistical analysis. This integrated method allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic, capturing both qualitative and quantitative aspects, and enhancing the validity and reliability of the findings. This study highlights several effective approaches to help build one’s own intrinsic motivation. By employing strategies that create meaningful learning environments, foster autonomy, cultivate a supportive community, provide constructive feedback, and promote intrinsic rewards, educators and institutions can empower students to develop a strong internal drive for their online learning endeavors.

Keywords: intrinsic motivation, autonomy, persistence, strategies, online classes, university students.