Motivational Differences Between LEP (Limited English Proficient) and Non-LEP Hispanic Community College Students

• In Event: Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: College Student Learning and Outcomes Poster Session 1

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate motivational factors that may differ between limited English proficiency (LEP) and non-LEP Hispanic community college students. According to a 2002 NCES report, college completion rates for Hispanic students were increasing but not at the same rate as Whites or Blacks. Moreover, research points to LEP students having higher retention rates than their non-LEP counterparts. Therefore, examining motivational differences between these two groups is important to conceptually understand why LEP students may be more motivated to stay in college. Results indicated that LEP students are more extrinsically motivated than non-LEP community college students, suggesting that comparatively, LEP students value academic work for an extrinsic award.

Authors

• Carlton J. Fong, Texas State University

• Jaimie Meredith Krause, City College of New York - CUNY

• Claire Ellen Weinstein, The University of Texas

• Taylor Wayne Acee, Texas State University-San Marcos