Challenges in Motivating Students

(Presented in the First Conference of the Dean of Academic Affairs in August 2013, Sherubtse College, RUB)

Dr Shivaraj Bhattarai, Dean, RTC

Abstract:

This paper is largely based on personal observations and experience and also to some extent on few primary and secondary data available at the college. The data are drawn from a large numbers of feedback collected every semester from the faculty, staff and the students of the college. The academic results, the student database as well as some recent interviews of the students also form the basis of some of the conclusions drawn.

Comparing to a decade past one major change seen in the population of the students in higher education is the mean age. Generally the mean age of college going students has come down to about 19 years or lower now compared to above 21 in the nineties. This is because students go to school at least by six, if not earlier, nowadays. Further, with the emphasis for compulsory school education for all, the pass percentage at schools has gone up very significantly and the survival rate is as high as 85% (Statistical Year Book, MoE, 2012) pushing students much quicker through the ladder of education. In addition, with the realization of the importance of higher education among the Bhutanese populace, parents are pushing their children through the higher education crowding limited institutions to the brink.

On the other hand, youth are growing amidst confusions created by unprecedented advancement in technology, material growth and comforts that is brought home very easily.  In general, the young students are subjected to a great deal of distractions today that is taking away their attention from the classrooms and impeding academic excellence. A large number of students at RTC come from financially sound families which bring in complacency and non-motivation for hard work. Many are ignorant of or are indifferent to the emerging cut-throat competitions in the job market.

Exceptionally there are in-service students who are much older and this small percentage in RTC (about 6% of the total) have a different story compared to the majority. Their motivation in higher education is mostly driven by societal pressure and their inner thirst for university degrees. For some it is the higher perks and opportunities that come only with university degree. The above two categories of students make an interesting and at times contrasting comparisons in understanding the cause and challenges of motivations. Clearly it is important for all the stakeholders, i.e., the parents/guardians, educationists (both administrative and teaching), and the policy makers to understand the plight of the youth today, and engage with them more closely and intimately to motivate them and promote effective learning.