The Study of University Students’ Perspectives and Experiences on Promoting Educational Motivation in Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 1393/2015

Introduction & Objectives: The students with high motivation usually study harder and achieve greater success. In many cases, academic success or failure, tied with personal motivation. The aim of this study was to explore the perspective and experiences of the university students about the ways of promoting the motivation. Method: In this study (2015/1393) with a qualitative approach, using purposeful sampling and considering maximum variety, 44 students from Golestan University of Medical Sciences participated. The data gathered through individual semi-structured interviews. All interviews were tape recorded, transcribed line by line and analyzed using conventional content analysis method. Results: The data analysis revealed main themes such as “professor”, “scientific-cultural participation”, and “sound competition-dynamic climate”, as well as a sub-theme “negative clues” which explain the students’ experiences and perspectives about factors promoting educational motivation in academic settings. Conclusion: The data indicated the pivotal and key role of the professors in promoting educational motivation of students, while providing a dynamic and competitive climate and opportunities for participating in scientific and cultural programs had crucial importance.