The impact of teacher motivation on the academic achievement of secondary students of Maldives / Shafia Adam

Abstract

As teachers are arguably one of the most essential groups of professionals among our nation, it is disconcerting to find that many of today's teachers are dissatisfied with their job or teaching due to numerous factors. This may result in under achievement of students as students' learning to a considerable extent depends on effective teaching and teacher motivation (Griffin, 2010). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors affecting teacher motivation at secondary level in Maldives, and the effect of teachers' motivational level on students' academic achievement. Thus, this study attempts to answer the following questions. What are the factors affecting teachers' lack of motivation? To what extent does teachers' motivation impact students' academic achievement? To answer the research questions, a qualitative study was done using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The research was carried out with 5 participants (2students, 2 teachers, 1 deputy principal) from a secondary school of Male' and semi structured interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered to 20 participants (10 teachers and 10 students). Data was analyzed and research findings suggested that many teacher were dissatisfied with their jobs due to numerous reasons (for example, salary, bonus, workload, working condition) and it directly impacts to students' motivation and academic achievement. In conclusion to the study, research implications and areas for further research have been identified that would inform teachers educators, school management, educational policymakers in the Maldives.

Keywords: motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, academic achievement.