Abstract:
This qualitative study explores the motivation of College Vocational Program
(CVP) students at one campus of a large College of Applied Arts and Technology
(CAAT a) in urban southern Ontario. The study is in response to my close involvement
with the CVP students as an instructor for five years, and my observation that a greater
understanding of the motivational influences affecting the students' involvement in the
program would strengthen teaching and learning, and enhance the CVP educational
experience for students and instructors. This study was limited to one CVP program,
and a small sample of convenience of 9 CVP male and female students and 6
instructors selected from two classes. The students were chosen based on their verbal
abilities to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in regard to
answering the research questions posed. Through interviews with students, instructors,
and ajob coach, this study addressed four main questions relevant to college vocational
students and motivation: defining student success, encouragement, discouragement,
and perceptions about academic and vocationalleaming. The interview questions for
both students and instructors were designed by me and were based on themes derived
from the literature and from my experience in the program. The findings identify that
the students and instructors see success in the program in a slightly different way, the
importance of relationships and structure, the hindering effect of disabilities and the
importance of accommodation, and the strong aspiration of the students wanting to
learn in a supportive accepting environment. The study concludes with implications
for further research and theory development.
