Exploring Differences in Academic Motivation Among Teacher Candidates in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the motivational patterns of the teacher candidates enrolled at the Bahrain Teachers College at the University of Bahrain. The study aimed to investigate the influence of variables, such as the teacher candidates’ specialization, year of study, gender, and Cumulative Grade Point Average CGPA, on candidates’ academic motivation. The sample consisted of 265 teacher candidates enrolled in the bachelor’s program. The sample was drawn from all levels and specializations of the bachelor’s program. Data was gathered using a demographics survey as well as the Academic Motivation Scale. The obtained results revealed that participants scored the highest on extrinsic motivation and they seem to be externally regulated. The results did not reveal any significant differences in the types of motivation based on the candidates’ specialization, year of study, gender, and CGPA.