Motivation is a crucial factor in online learning as it can significantly impact the student’s engagement and success. Some students may be more motivated by a need for affiliation and social connection, while others may be more motivated by a need for achievement and recognition, or a need for power and autonomy. Thus, this quantitative study aims to explore the perception of learners on their learning motivation by examining how affiliation, achievement, and power influence learners’ motivation. A total of 208 respondents from public and private universities in Malaysia were gathered using a questionnaire that was adapted from a previous study by (Fowler, 2018). There are seven sections with related questions to measure the three types of factors that affected learning motivation. In general, the results revealed there is a significant association between affiliation, achievement, and power in learning motivation. By understanding the findings of this study, instructors might be able to design interventions and strategies to enhance learner motivation. Then, by recognizing the importance of affiliation, achievement, and power in learning motivation, policymakers may consider designing education frameworks that prioritize the supportive learning environment and promote student engagement and motivation.
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