Presentation from 'Design for learning' strand at the CDE’s Research and Innovation in Distance Education and eLearning conference, held at Senate House London on 1 November 2013. Conducted by Mariella Stivala (St Martin’s Institute of Higher Education, Malta). Audio of the session and more details can be found at www.cde.london.ac.uk.

1. 1
ENHANCING STUDENT’S
MOTIVATION
The missing link

2. Background
2

This work is a continuation of previous work carried out
on students’ motivation, retention and e-learning.

It is also the result of discussions with my colleagues
and superiors. St. Martin’s is a taught-based institution.
However, it is highly likely that our frustrations as
lecturers are similar to the frustrations shared by
students engaged in distance learning worldwide.

3. Proposition
3

To discuss whether further interaction with the students
through an interactive VLE would enhance their
motivation

To highlight and discuss missing links in the learning
process.

4. Perspective
4
Experience as an educator at a taught-based institution –
St.Martin’s Institute of Higher Education.

5. Problems encountered
5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
A static VLE
Material is the same with little or no update to contemporary
situations
No relationship with authors of subject guide (for clarification) or
with the examiners
Students complain that Athens is difficult to understand so they
have difficulty downloading journals
As a lecturer, I have to guide the students through all the material
and prepare them for exams.
Students’ motivation to study fluctuates throughout the year
depending on their learning experience, their personal context and
especially their relationship with the subject (at times it is a hate
relationship from beginning to end).

6. The Missing link
6
Lecturing at times feels like a walk in uncharted territory. As a
lecturer, I have to guide the students through all the material and
prepare them for the exam, not always fully aware of what the
examiners would be specifically looking for in examination scripts.
Let’s call it “the missing link”. It is also something which relates to my
previous comments in points 1 and 2 mentioned further above –
static VLE and other material which is remains unchanged year
after year.

7. Overcoming “problems”
7
1.
2.
3.
4.

Moodle system
Establish contact with foreign examiners and
lecturers
Study tutor scheme
Regular training to lecturers
Work in progress - “the missing link”

8. Motivational Theories
8

Goal Setting Theory

Vroom’s Expectancy Theory

9. THANK YOU
Mariella Stivala