The challenge of motivating secondary school students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the challenge of motivating Secondary School students. It aims to explore the perceptions of a cohort of Secondary School students vis-a-vis the issues that motivate them, to identify the issues that enhance motivation, to see what motivates students and to explore the meaning of effective teaching. The main findings will then be put together in tables which show the students' perceptions of school, their teachers and the activities they have at school. Research was carried out in seven different schools. The schools were six State Schools (both Junior Lyceums and Secondary Schools) and one Church School. Form 2 students were chosen to participate. The interviews were group interviews and in all covering six groups of eight students who attended a Junior Lyceum, six groups of eight students who attended a Secondary School and five groups of eight students who attended a Church School. Interviews were conducted with both boys and girls who were chosen randomly. From the data analysis it was concluded that: students should have opportunities to make new friends as it is one of the aspects students like at school, students enjoy learning as it will help them find a job, students should have more sports activities and also good sports facilities, teachers should be caring, fair and have a sense of humour, a homework policy should be developed in order that students have an appropriate amount of homework, students should be allowed to participate during lessons and lessons should have activities such as group works or discussions. As the study has shown, it is of utmost importance to listen to students' opinions if teachers want to decrease the problem of lack of student motivation.