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Table 2 Detailed information concerning the main motivational factors

From: The role of motivation in MOOCs’ retention rates: a systematic literature review

Motivational source

Category

Motivational factor

N

Pct

Need-based

Academic motives

To earn credit course from professors, to earn credit course from institutes, intrinsic goal orientation, academic self-efficacy, need for cognition, grit (passion for long-term goals), performance-goal orientation, mastery-goal orientation, perceived reputation, complementary learning, learning support, self-assessment, self-improvement, freedom to learn, English proficiency, achievement motivation, learning outcome, further existing knowledge, improving knowledge, previous bad classroom experiences with the subject matter, using innovative tools (flipped classroom, challenge-based, earning), query-based learning, certification, value learning, gamification, supplement to a university class, learning design, study techniques, teaching presence, teacher presence, discouragement based on faulty assignment

71

29.58%

Course motives

Time (course length), course difficulty, course structure, course content, perception of course design, course related to the program, perception of the course content, expectations about course and suitability of course, perceived effectiveness, perceived quality, task value and interest, overload (heavy load of study), learner social situation, novelty, lack of control, autonomy, sense of scarcity, high-quality course materials

38

15.83%

Professional motives

Professional development, work circumstances, course related to the job, acquire skills, perceived usefulness, relevancy to job, fulfillment of need for competence, problem-solving, economic mobility, statement of accomplishment

30

12.50%

Interest-based

Personal motives

Internal motives, family circumstances, curiosity, personal growth, personal interest, self-enjoyment, liking, perceived enjoyment, boredom, self-development, self-determination, perceived value, user preference, prior knowledge, and experience

37

15.41%

Social motives

Social support, interaction, friends taking a course, social presence, connect with others, networking, meet new people, social situation, social influences, social norms, communication and use of information, social mobility, relatedness, learner social characteristics, rewards, badges, social recognition

45

18.76%

Technological motives

Perceived ease of use, perceived openness, navigation, accessibility, visual design, the frustration of MOOCs, Internet access, media richness, sociability, convenience, interactive design, integrative design, limiting repeatability of online courses, lack of infrastructures, multimedia use

19

7.91%

 

Total

240

100%