Date of Award
Fall 11-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
School of Education
First Advisor
Scot Headley, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Beth LaForce, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Margi Macy, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study examined the themes associated with the lack of motivation for school in middle school students, specifically among Heritage Speakers of Spanish. The researcher used two methods to examine student and parent attitudes and beliefs about school and education, as attitudes and beliefs are strongly linked to motivation. The researcher did face-to-face interviews of Mexican parents with direct questions about education and school, and asked middle school students of Mexican descent to read the first part of a short selection about a Mexican immigrant boy in school, then complete the story using their imagination. The researcher compiled the parents' responses, and used content analysis to identify eight themes in the students ' narratives. Four findings emerged from the data: Mexican immigrant parents are perceived by their children as ineffective adults, parental expectations regarding school and the future are in conflict with student expectations, students have more extrinsic motivation (rewards) than intrinsic motivation (learning for itself), and students perceive many obstacles to school success.
Recommended Citation
Berho, Benoit B., "Educational Motivation in Heritage Speakers of Spanish" (2008). Doctor of Education (EdD). 200.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/edd/200