Motivation and learning strategies of students in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

To understand the attributes of successful students in Kyrgyzstan, a study was conducted using the Motivated Strategy and Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate whether the students in private and public universities demonstrate significant differences in their motivation that may also influence the strategies they use. The study attempted to respond to the inquiry of stakeholders in the higher education system, as there is no such comparison available at this time. Assuming that the students at different stages of their post-secondary level education may have different levels of motivation, comparisons were also made among first year, second year, third year and senior students. Out of the 81 items included in the MSLQ, 18 items seek response regarding motivation and learning strategy, with 6 motivation and 9 learning strategy scales. The survey was distributed to a random student population with 506 responses that include 257 first and second year students and 249 junior and senior students. The responses were analyzed using independent t-test. The results indicated private university students have higher levels of motivation than public universities. The female students had better learning strategies than the male students. Results of this study may be useful to the higher education institutions of Kyrgyzstan to improve their quality.