Career aspiration, academic motivation and academic achievement among second year undergraduate male and female students in the school of education, Ndejje University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between Career Aspiration, Academic Motivation and Academic Achievement of second year undergraduate students of Faculty of Education in Ndejje University. The study was a correlation and quantitative in that it aimed at establishing the interrelations between these variables using statistical procedures in presenting and analyzing data. The study population was 246 second year undergraduate students education students in Faculty of Education; Ndejje University from which a samples of 148 students from whom data was collected using a questionnaire and end of year two CGPA of the selected students from the university records. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 18) and interpreted in line with the study hypotheses. The results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between male and female students’ Academic Achievement. However, significant relationship exists between their Academic Motivation and Academic Achievement as well as between their Career Aspiration and Academic Achievement. That is, it can be concluded that students’ career aspirations significantly affect their academic achievement, and their academic motivation also significantly affect their academic achievement. However, students’ gender differences do not significantly impact on their academic achievement. It is therefore important that career guidance be strengthened and motivational strategies be adopted to improve on students’ academic achievement.