Educational environment as a significant motivational factor

This research is devoted to the study of main characteristics of educational environment and the level of its influence on learning motivation of secondary education students. The purpose of the study is to determine how to create a favourable educational environment that meets the needs and interests of students and supports positive motivation. In this research we consider educational environment as a set of conditions in which the educational process takes place, including: goals, objectives, methods and forms of education; pedagogical style; school atmosphere; the equipment of schools. Educational environment is a significant factor that determines the success of learning, contributes to the development of students’ interest in learning, their independence and critical thinking, and increases internal motivation. Within the framework of this study, we rely on a personalized and value-based approach to the organization of learning process, and use such methods as: system analysis, generalization, comparison, theoretical analysis of scientific literature. We conducted an anonymous survey of 178 students from grades 8–11 of 5 Volzhsky schools to analyze the possibilities of practical implementation of theoretical results. The analysis of modern scientific publications on pedagogy and pedagogical psychology, as well as the results of the survey, allowed us to draw the following conclusions. It is possible to increase students’ motivation by: making clear definitions of goals and objectives of education that are achievable by students; using teaching methods that promote activation of students’ cognitive activity and increase their interest in learning; using of a pedagogical style focused on creating a favourable atmosphere in the classroom and on supporting students. Schools, that are provided with modern digital equipment, comfortable classrooms, and that are practising a democratic management style, usually have a significantly higher level of student motivation. Students in such schools participate in educational and entertainment events actively.

secondary general education, digital educational environment, digital educational resources, comfortable educational environment, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, authoritarian pedagogical style, democratic pedagogical style, positive school atmosphere, modernization of schools