A1 Journal article (refereed)
Motivational sources of practical nursing students at risk of dropping out from vocational education and training (2019)

Salmi, E., Vehkakoski, T., Aunola, K., Määttä, S., Kairaluoma, L., & Pirttimaa, R. (2019). Motivational sources of practical nursing students at risk of dropping out from vocational education and training. Nordic Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 9(2), 112-131. https://doi.org/10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.1992112

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Salmi, Elisa; Vehkakoski, Tanja; Aunola, Kaisa; Määttä, Sami; Kairaluoma, Leila; Pirttimaa, Raija

Journal or series: Nordic Journal of Vocational Education and Training

eISSN: 2242-458X

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 9

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 112-131

Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press

Publication country: Sweden

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3384/njvet.2242-458X.1992112

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/66445

Abstract

The aim of this study was to contribute to the understanding of the reasons for low or high academic motivation among practical nursing students at risk of dropping out from vocational education and training. The research data consisted of semi-structured interviews with 14 Finnish students, which were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The analysis identified six motivational sources. Two of these sources – Responsible agency and Completing out of necessity – were related to engagement in studying, whereas two other sources – Exhaustion from learning challenges and Tight-roping between competing responsibilities – were related to disengagement from studying. Emotional drive and Social orientation were ambivalent motivation sources, partly pushing towards engagement as well as to disengagement, depending on the circumstances. Overall, the complicated reasons for low or high motivation were found to be heterogeneous and, consequently, the ways to support students may also vary.

Keywords: vocational education and training; practical nurses; dropping out; study motivation

Free keywords: dropping out; qualitative content analysis; motivational sources; practical nursing student; vocational education and training

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1