An investigation of the relationship between informal education and students’ academic motivation in Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Academic motivation is a critical driver of student success, influencing learning engagement, persistence, and overall achievement. In Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State, informal education has been increasingly recognized as an influential factor in boosting students’ motivation. Informal education—defined as learning that occurs outside the traditional classroom setting—includes extracurricular activities, peer mentoring, community workshops, and digital learning platforms that offer interactive and engaging experiences (Adebayo, 2023). These activities often complement formal education by providing hands-on learning experiences, fostering a sense of belonging, and igniting curiosity among students. In Shendam, where conventional educational approaches sometimes fail to fully motivate students, informal education initiatives have emerged as vital in stimulating academic interest and commitment. Recent studies suggest that when students participate in informal learning environments, they tend to exhibit higher levels of intrinsic motivation, enhanced problem-solving skills, and a more positive attitude towards academic pursuits (Bashir, 2024). The local cultural context in Shendam, with its rich traditions and community-oriented values, provides a unique setting where informal educational practices can thrive. Community-based projects, local storytelling, and interactive workshops enable students to connect academic content with real-life experiences, thereby increasing the relevance of their studies. Furthermore, informal education often encourages collaborative learning and peer support, which are key factors in maintaining student motivation and reducing feelings of academic isolation (Chinwe, 2025). In addition, the integration of technology into informal education—such as mobile learning apps and online discussion forums—offers students additional avenues for engagement, making learning more accessible and flexible. The combination of these factors creates a dynamic educational environment where students are more likely to be motivated to achieve their academic goals. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the relationship between informal education and academic motivation among students in Shendam, exploring how various informal learning experiences contribute to a sustained interest in education and improved academic performance.
Statement of the Problem
Despite efforts to improve academic performance in Shendam, many students exhibit low levels of motivation, which adversely affects their learning outcomes. Traditional teaching methods, characterized by a focus on rote memorization and passive learning, often fail to engage students meaningfully. In contrast, informal education offers more interactive and student-centered learning experiences that have the potential to increase academic motivation. However, there is limited empirical evidence on how informal education specifically influences students’ motivation in Shendam. Educators and community leaders have observed that while informal learning initiatives such as community workshops and peer mentoring sessions may temporarily boost interest, their long-term impact on academic motivation remains unclear (Durojaiye, 2023). Additionally, socioeconomic factors, resource constraints, and varying levels of parental involvement further complicate the relationship between informal education and student motivation. Without a systematic investigation into these dynamics, it is challenging to develop effective strategies that leverage informal educational practices to enhance academic motivation. The problem is further exacerbated by a lack of integration between informal and formal education systems, resulting in fragmented learning experiences that do not consistently support student engagement. Consequently, there is an urgent need to examine the specific elements of informal education that contribute to academic motivation and to assess the overall impact of these practices on student performance. This study seeks to address these gaps by evaluating the role of informal education in fostering academic motivation among students in Shendam. By understanding the factors that drive motivation in informal learning settings, the research aims to provide actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers to create more engaging and effective learning environments.
Objectives of the Study
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To identify the various informal education activities available to students in Shendam.
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To evaluate the impact of these activities on students’ academic motivation.
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To propose strategies for integrating informal education with formal instruction to enhance overall student motivation.
Research Questions
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What informal educational activities are most prevalent in Shendam?
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How do these activities influence students’ intrinsic and extrinsic academic motivation?
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What integration strategies can effectively combine informal and formal education to sustain academic motivation?
Research Hypotheses
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H1: Participation in informal education activities significantly enhances academic motivation among students.
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H2: There is a positive relationship between the frequency of informal learning experiences and academic motivation.
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H3: Integrating informal education with formal classroom instruction leads to sustained improvements in student motivation.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the crucial link between informal education and academic motivation in Shendam. The findings will provide insights into how informal learning activities can enhance student engagement and drive academic success. By offering evidence-based recommendations, the research aims to assist educators and policymakers in developing integrated educational approaches that foster long-term motivation and improved academic outcomes (Ibrahim, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining the relationship between informal education and academic motivation among students in Shendam Local Government Area, Plateau State. It focuses on locally implemented informal programs and their impact on motivation. The research does not extend to other regions and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce biases.
Definitions of Terms
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Informal Education: Learning that takes place outside formal academic settings, such as through community activities and peer interactions.
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Academic Motivation: The drive or desire of students to engage in and persist with their educational activities.
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Intrinsic Motivation: Internal factors that inspire students to learn for personal satisfaction rather than external rewards.
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