Does Motivation Affect Academic Performance?

What motivation is? As we know, motivation is something that makes us have the desire or willingness to achieve. Motivation can arise consciously or unconsciously, also can be obtained from anywhere. It can be through social media, the friendship sphere, even the immediate environment. In some circumstances, both internal and extrinsic motivation could influence academic success. In particular, intrinsic motivation is beneficial to learning outcomes and accomplishment. Put differently, those who enjoy learning are more likely to perform well academically than those who don't. Furthermore, other factors influenced the relationship between motivation and academic performance. Positive and negative types of motivation have mediators or moderators that influence effect on performance, often related to effort, engagement, anxiety, and learning strategies.

According to educational psychology and learning principles, these skills should be connected with academic performance, being an important instrument against academic failure (Goleman,1998). The existence of good motivation will show better results. So, here are some mediators that could light up your motivation. First is setting your role models, academic and social growth require positive role models. A positive role model is someone who has succeeded in a certain career or area of life and may set an inspiration to others. The benefit is to learn about what it takes to achieve goals, overcome obstacles and become successful. This also set personal high expectations. A role model could be anyone, not always a famous person. Starting from the closest ones such as family, teachers, and friends. Secondly, set rewards and self praises (Yahaya, 2022), according to behaviorist psychologists, praise and reward systems support and promote good discipline. Anything that is provided in return for a helpful suggestion, commendable behavior, or outstanding effort is referred to as a reward. Setting a reward for an achievement can encourage a person to reach their goal. Besides that, praise is defined as an expression of profound appreciation for someone that is doing something well. Expectations by making awards and praising yourself for what has been done is to regain motivation to achieve a goal. Lastly, friends' support (Shanti et al., 2021), according to Swenson (2008) friends who strive the same thing will understand what is needed. Friends' support really determines someone's action, its application helps adapt, motivate to achieve, and makes a person have goals. It can also help someone to have the courage to take risks, not be pessimistic, and help them to accept the reality. That's why it has a big influence, makes them have ambition and interest in what they are studying. Which makes them obtain good academic grades. Besides that, it can lower anxiety and become more active. However, friends' support is also influenced by how much friends influence the subject in the academic field.

So, now you know what things we can try to apply in our daily lives. It turns out that from something as small as the scope of friendship and someone we admire can also provide motivation, and it's unbelievable that the impact is quite remarkable. Those mediators are effective that can enhance motivation and ultimately lead to better academic outcomes.