Motivational factors influencing students’ learning: A Samoan case study

Abstract

When students leave the schooling systems prematurely, a common question is: How can students be motivated to remain and be successful in their educational journeys? The qualitative research discussed in this article examined the factors motivating students in a Samoan context. Fifteen primary school students were interviewed about the factors influencing their learning. The findings did not reveal intrinsic motivation as a significant drive for student participants. On the contrary, extrinsic factors (e.g., family expectations and positive learning environments) took precedence over internal motivations. This finding suggests that other factors, such as students’ culture, may significantly influence students’ motivation. Future research could further explore whether or how intrinsic factors may influence students’ academic success within a Samoan context.