Motivational factors which influence students’ learning: A Samoan case study

Abstract

As students continue to prematurely leave the schooling systems, a question which is commonly asked is: How can students be motivated to remain and be successful in their educational journeys? This qualitative research was aimed at examining the factors that motivated students in a Samoan context.  Fifteen primary students were interviewed about the factors influencing their learning. The findings did not reveal intrinsic motivation as a significant drive for student participants. On the contrary, extrinsic factors (family expectations, positive learning environments) took precedence over internal motivation. This finding suggests that other factors like students’ cultures may have a significant influence on students’ motivation. Future research could further explore whether or how intrinsic factors may influence students’ academic success within a Samoan context.