The relationship between affective factors and the academic achievement of students at the University of Venda

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between affective factors and the academic achievement of students at the University of Venda. Self-concept, motivation and attitude are affective factors selected for the study. The general aim of the study is to determine the role of self-concept, motivation and attitude in students' academic achievement and ultimately come up with some recommendations for enhancing these factors. The theoretical investigation indicates that there is a relationship between students' self-concepts, motivation, attitude, and academic achievement. Similarly, the empirical investigation has revealed that there is a significant correlation between self-concept, motivation, and academic achievement of students. It was, for example, found that female students are significantly more motivated than their male counterparts. It is therefore essential that educationists should understand the differences in motivational orientations of their students in order to facilitate effective learning.