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Description
This case study explores the impact of extrinsic motivation on the task engagement of non-English majored university students in Vietnam. With a focus on how external rewards—such as grades, recognition, and tangible incentives—influence student behavior, the research aims to understand the extent to which these factors drive student participation and completion of academic tasks in the classroom. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from student interviews to provide a nuanced understanding of the role of extrinsic motivation. The findings reveal that the type of rewards in which students gain extra points after each task fulfilment can maximize students’ activiness compared to the other ones as according to them good grades directly affect their final academic results. However, while extrinsic rewards can effectively increase short-term engagement, they may not always lead to sustained motivation or deep learning. The study also identifies potential drawbacks, such as reduced intrinsic motivation and over-reliance on rewards, which can negatively impact students' long-term academic development. The research concludes with recommendations for educators on how to balance extrinsic and intrinsic motivational strategies to foster a more engaging and supportive learning environment. This study contributes to the broader discourse on motivation in education, offering valuable insights for improving teaching practices in Vietnamese higher education and beyond.
