Graduate Students’ Motivational Factors and Educational Performance in Pursuance of Higher Education during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The descriptive study aimed to determine the motivational factors and educational performance of graduate students in an online environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a survey questionnaire, data were gathered from 140 students pursuing a master’s degree in a private higher educational institution in the Philippines during the School Year 2021-2022, which served as the final respondents of the study. Results revealed that the student’s motivational factors during the pandemic were described as having much influence while most of the respondents obtained their educational performance in their master’s degree as very good. Motivational factors were significantly correlated to the educational performance of the respondents based on their GWA. The study suggests that students should be motivated to pursue graduate education, especially in the dimension of social stimulation. Graduate school professors should also understand and be able to assess the degree of motivation of their students in their every-week classes, in which they will be able to contribute affirmations, inspiration, and drive to their students. Further, it is also recommended that students must be inspired to excel and obtain excellent grades in their graduate education.