The Relationship between Motivation to Learn of Diploma Nursing Students and their Personal Characteristics

 
        Background: Motivation to learn is the overall driving force of students that direct their learning activities. It has been broadly considered as the primary determinant of students’ achievement, performance and success in school life. In this regard, students' personal characteristics could be contributing factors to motivation in learning context.  Aim of the study: was to assess the relationship between motivation to learn of diploma nursing students and their personal characteristics.  Subjects and method: Research design: A descriptive correlational design was used in the study. Setting: the study was carried out at all diploma/secondary nursing schools in Ismailia Governorate. Subjects: All diploma nursing students (189) at third grade were included in the study. Tools for data collection: Data were collected using Science Motivation Questionnaire in addition to diploma nursing students. Results: Most of diploma nursing students had low motivation level compared to other levels with statistically significant differences, although the highest percentages of them had a positive family reaction for joining the nursing school. Besides, their desire of joining the nursing profession and helping others recorded of causes of joining nursing school compared to the desire for employment. Conclusions: Personal characteristics of diploma nursing students have/cause no statistically significant difference in relation to motivation to learn except gender. Recommendations: Motivation to learn needs taking measures regarding its improvement besides to further studies and finding out the deficiencies that lead to decreasing motivation level.