The Role of Motivation in College Students' Learning Habits

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the U.S. in 2020, college leaders and policymakers have raised questions about the academic preparation of today's students. College readiness metrics in math and English have fallen nationally, and research shows that many students lack executive functioning skills as well as effective study habits. Though they may be underprepared for college courses, most students say they're motivated in college by grades or the pursuit of knowledge."

"The study: The research centered on the achievement goal theory, which says that individuals' behaviors are determined by their definition of success and whether it's relative to the task, themselves or others. Some students may also be motivated by avoidance-trying not to look incompetent or fail relative to the task, themselves or others. Previous research found that students who are task- or self-motivated are more likely to engage in mastery behaviors, such as testing themselves on course materials until they understand."

College readiness metrics in math and English have fallen nationally since 2020, and many students lack executive functioning skills and effective study habits. Most college students report motivation driven by grades, increased knowledge, or credential attainment. Surveys show the largest share measure success by GPA, many enroll to pursue careers, and roughly half enroll to gain knowledge or skills. Research on engineering students found a correlation between course goals and learning strategies: students interested in course material used more effective, mastery-oriented approaches, while students motivated by social competition or avoidance relied on surface learning. Achievement goal theory links definitions of success to these behaviors.

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