Liem, Gregory Arief D.

2008-09, McInerney, D. M. (Dennis M.), Liem, Gregory Arief D., Ortiga, Yasmin Y., Lee, Jie Qi

This study provides a general profile of what motivates Singaporean secondary students to do well in school. In particular, we investigate six constructs extensively discussed in motivation research: achievement goals, basic values, academic self-concept, future goals, learning strategies, and the utility values of schooling. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study indicates the relationships among the different constructs, the kinds of goals that students value, as well as the perceived role of school in achieving their aspirations for the future. Through this, we hope to provide educators in Singapore with a clearer picture of the factors that drive their students to achieve in school.