Student Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Course-Dropping Behavior During COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: Motivational Processes and Effects

Abstract

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 global, universities and colleges are making decisions as to whether or not they will be welcoming students back to campus. Questions remain about student motivation and confidence in returning to the classroom, regardless of what that may look like. This study examines individual characteristics of different groups of participants as well as motivational and self-efficacy perceptions influencing students’ decision-making. Those in their courses had higher task value, control of learning beliefs and self-efficacy. Students identified many factors contributing to their decision to drop courses; these factors are categorized as course related, instructor related, mental health, employment and finances, family, physical health, and other factors.

Authors

• Ashley R Vaughn, Northern Kentucky University

• Dee Kinney, Miami University - Hamilton

• Wayne Kinney, University of Cincinnati

• Kimberly Hale, Eastern Kentucky University

• Meera Rastogi, University of Cincinnati

• Skip Potts, Indiana University

• Andrea Quenette, Indiana University