ABSTRACT

This study is conducted on the role of motivation on the academic performance of students in economics. Focus on the Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State as a case study.

The major objectives of this study were to determine the role of motivation on the academic of performance of students in economics.

Also the knowledge skills acquired by the students of economics in secondary schools. To achieve this objective, survey method was used, five research questions were raised, and the total of 347 questionnaires made up of 282 students and 65 teachers were administered. In analyzing the data, simple percentages were used and responses analyzed with the aid of table. Based on the findings, it was resolve that student neglect the course of "Motivation", however, there is need for proper orientation, workshops, seminars and awareness to the students in economics to avoid them not to neglect the course (Motivation). It also reviews that students acquired the knowledge of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in economics. It was therefore, recommended that proper awareness on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation should be created.

The study was concluded that the role of motivation on the academic performance of students in economics plays a vital role in sustaining economics learning in the classroom.

Suggestion for further research studies were made on the related topics to the present problems.

CHAPTER ONE


1.1 Introduction


Motivation is difficult to define. The word “motivation” comes from a Latin word “movers” which means to move; thus motivation can literary mean the process of arousing movement in individual. It is a very important factor which determines how successful we are at what we do. It serves as a driving force that gives us the will to accomplish task and eventually succeed in reaching an ultimate goal. Motivation levels can vary each day depending on how we feel, or how we view certain experience.

Motivation also drives us to stick to the low fact selections and recipes required to keep our progress moving.

Motivation is an influential factor in teaching and learning process. The success of learning depends on high or low motivation of students. It can drive learners in reaching learning goal. Therefore, motivation is the key of success in enhancing teaching process. High or low students’ motivation can be influenced by some factors. First, it is influenced by social life where student lives. Second, it is




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influenced by the teacher. Third, it is influenced by the methods used.

Fourth, it is influenced by the learning environments.


In improving students’ motivation, we need to pay attention to some factors. First, we must set the interesting materials. Second, we must set goals that are meaningful, realistic and achievable for students.

Third, we must set interesting environment. Finally, if we can apply all strategies in teaching-learning process, the students will reach learning goal easily.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem


The ultimate goal of teaching is to help learners develop desirable behaviours. Motivation is one of the instrument that will enable the teacher accomplish the goal. Adamu (2008) observed that motivation enable teachers achieve the aims and objectives of their lessons, make teaching interesting, enable students participate in the lesson and teachers will deliver their lessons within the shortest possible time.

Motivation has the ability of arousing and sustaining learners’ curiosity and interest in teaching and learning. Bandurt (1997) has

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established that motivation promote a strong sense of self-efficiency on the learners. Gagne and Driscoll (1988) also noted that through motivation, learners can develop conviction that certain behaviour will produce a particular kind of performance outcome.

Jibrin (2007) opined that motivation will be well in reducing the rates of school dropouts. Learners who are energized are anticipated to act in a certain manner that keeps the learner in the direction of increasing knowledge (Qureshi, 2001; Arkes and Garske, 1982).

Despite the importance of motivation on students’ performance, it is a pity to observe that both parents and teachers find it difficult to motivate their wards/students. It was observed that most youths in Dange Shuni metropolis have little or no interest in school and the rate of school dropouts is increasing at alarming rate. This has affected students’ performance in both internal and external examination in secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. It is on this problematic situation that the researchers determine to carry out a research on the role of motivation on academic performance of students in Economics in some selected secondary schools (Army Day Secondary School, Government Day Senior Secondary School Shuni and Government
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Day Senior Secondary School Dange) in Dange Shuni Local Government of Sokoto State.

1.3 Purpose and Objectives of the Study


The purpose of this study is to find out the role of motivation in teaching and learning in Economics in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The objectives are to:


i.  Determine the role of motivation on academic performance of students in Economics in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

ii. Determine the extent teachers motivate their students in Economics in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

iii.    Assess the role of parental motivation on students of Economics in some selected secondary schools in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

1.4 Research Questions


As a guide to the study, the following research questions were raised:
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i.  What is the role of motivation in teaching and learning of Economics?

ii. To what extent motivation enhance academic performance of students in Economics?

iii.    What are the motivational strategies adopted by teachers of Economics?

iv. To what extent teachers motivate their students in Economics?

v.  What is the influence of parental motivation on students of (in) Economics?

1.5 Research Hypotheses


As a guide to the study, the following null hypotheses were formulated:

i.  Motivation do enhance conducive learning atmosphere for students in Economics.

ii. Motivation enhances the academic performance of students when its strategies are used appropriately.

iii.    The motivational strategies adopted by teachers of Economics include: affiliation, motivation, power motivation, attitude motivation, etc.

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iv. Teachers do motivate their students by putting into consideration the individual difference among the students.

v.  The influence of parental attitudes towards homework is also directly related to the students’ positive attitudes and consistency in engagement in homework.

1.6 Significance of the Study


This study is to determine the role of motivation on academic performance of students in Economics. This research work also will look at possible solutions and recommendations that will enhance performance of students in both internal and external examination in Economics.

So many researches have been carried out in this direction but our study will help in adding to the literature and current issues. It is anticipated that the study will contribute in a significant manner to the body of knowledge related to increase learners’ performance through enhanced motivation.

Through this study, the government will understand that motivation in teaching and learning is not only in a single direction. They will understand that provision of facilities and equipments for

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teaching, caring for teachers’ welfare, organizing of seminars and workshops and employment of qualified teachers will help in motivating teachers and improve their performance. This study will enable the educational planners to bear in mind the interest of the students and the community at large when preparing curriculum as it will serve as instrument for motivating both the teachers and the students in teaching and learning. This can only be achieved if teachers and students relationship skills are adequately reflected in the Economics curriculum.

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study


This study is determined to find out the role of motivation on the academic performance of students in Economics in Army Day Secondary School, Government Day Senior Secondary School Shuni and Government Day Senior Secondary School Dange in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The main reason why we selected these schools is because of their geographical location, population of the students/teachers in the schools and the standard of the schools. The study is delimited to Economics teachers and students only.

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1.8 Definition of Terms


i.  Motivation: This is the process of stimulating people to actions to accomplish goals.

ii. Performance: This is the action or process of performing a task or function,

iii.    Teacher: A teacher is a person who teaches or instructs, especially as a profession or instructor.

iv. Students: A student is a learner or someone who attends an educational institution.

vi. School: A school is a place or a condition or an atmosphere where pupils interact with one another in other to achieve a predetermined goal.

vii.    Planner: A planner is a person who makes plans.

viii.   Community: A community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristics in common.

ix. Curriculum: A curriculum is the course of actions that is planned for and done in and outside of the schools for the purpose of effective learning outcomes