What Research Tells Us About Students With Low Motivation Toward College

Let's look at the findings from research and the reports of students with low motivation toward college. What is known about the ways these students feel, think, and behave?

Students with low motivation:

• are usually not clear about how college fits in with their own personal, academic, social, and occupational goals.

• may be easily distracted when listening to their teacher or completing assignments on which they are working.

• May find it difficult to get started on their homework or other class projects.

• May not put much effort into assignments and they may find it difficult to start or complete homework.

• May find it difficult to participate in class and to stay focused on learning the information being taught.

• are more likely to blame someone or something else for their poor performance, such as the teacher or the difficulty of the test, rather than accepting responsibility for not studying enough or for not studying the right material.

• Are often less successful because they may not accept responsibility for their performance, are generally not interested in completing assignments, and are likely to put forth less effort on challenging tasks.