Facta Universitatis. Series, Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education (Mar 2023)
MOTIVATION FOR ENROLMENT IN THE GERMAN STUDIES PROGRAMME: A CASE STUDY AT THE FACULTY OF PHILOSOPHY IN NIŠ
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to investigate the motivation for enrolment in the German studies programme at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš by using the adjusted and simplified Academic Motivation Scale. The German studies programme is one of the newest programmes offered at this institution. In 2022, when research was conducted, the first generation of students was in the process of successfully obtaining the bachelor’s degree after four years of studying; therefore it was an important step in self-assessment to inquire into the reasons for their choosing this programme. The language and literature studies are facing funding difficulties worldwide and the number of applicants for enrolment is an important funding factor, which determines the sustainability of the programme. Understanding the motivation for enrolment in the German studies could help determine the future development of the programme as well as the direction of the Department’s promotional activities. The research sample consists of 50 students of BA German Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, aged 19 to 45, and the results show that their primary motivation is intrinsic and stems from the striving for accomplishment and competency. They are also driven by a desire for knowledge and – externally – through identified regulation, that is, through internalization of extrinsic motives, by valuing the possibilities of successfully entering the labour market and finding a good job as a German studies graduate.
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