An examination of achievement motivation among middle grade African American males

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Althea Sample Truesdale (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Ceola Ross Baber

Abstract: "The purpose of the study was to examine factors influencing achievement motivation among nine seventh grade African American male students attending middle schools in the Southeastern region of the United States. The focal question of the study was how peer influence, perceptions of educational experiences, feelings of alienation (cultural discontinuity), cultural context of learning; and elements of Black masculinity influenced achievement motivation among African American seventh grade males. The relationships between these factors were also explored. An instrumental case study methodology was used to collect data. Data was derived from individual interviews with students, interviews with parent(s)/caregiver(s), focus group interviews, observations in the schools and communities as well as field notes taken in the researcher's journal. A content level of analysis was conducted. The results of the study indicated that achievement motivation was demonstrated in the lives of the participants through three contexts of learning. Within the personal context, participants described their self-concept as learner, self-efficacy as learner, and perceptions of Black masculinity. In the sociocultural context, family structure and influence as well as the significance of peer relationships were cited. For the academic context of learning, pedagogical influences and learner self-regulation were noted. Through these contexts, an individual type and a collectivist type of achievement motivation emerged. Implications for classroom practice and research are recommended."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
factors, influence, achievement, motivation, seventh grade, African American, male, students, Southeastern, United States
Subjects
African American students--Education (Middle school)
Motivation in education--United States
Academic achievement--Social aspects--United States

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