New findings show 52% youth lack motivation in online classes

Kuala Lumpur, 9 May 2022 — A recent survey by Leaderonomics Community and Make a Difference (MAD) Movement found that over 50 per cent of youth find it difficult to stay motivated during online learning sessions.

At least 21 per cent lack access to devices, reliable internet connection and conducive spaces for learning.

Launched early this year, the 4-part Youth Survey, themed Digital Readiness & Leadership Development, was aimed at getting insights from different audiences (youth, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and corporate CSR leaders).

The aim of the survey was to collect real-time insights that would then contribute to the building and direction of Leaderonomics Community leadership programmes as well as creating awareness of expanding the accessibility of such amongst Malaysian young adults and youth, especially those in the B40 communities. Insights gained from teachers or leaders involved in corporate CSR initiatives or NGO initiatives pertaining to youth development will also provide perspective on current challenges faced and what could be done to address these.

The findings from the survey reveal common struggles faced by youth in online learning sessions. The survey garnered responses from over 400 youths across the ages of 13 to 25 years, most of whom are Malaysians. Some 80 per cent of respondents agree that digital readiness is crucial to leadership development. However, half of the respondents identified having limited exposure or access to digital means such as devices or other online tools.

Key findings of the Youth Survey:

• ●  Lack of motivation — 52 per cent of youth find it difficult to stay motivated during online learning sessions
• ●  Lack of reliable internet connection — 46 per cent of youth do not have access to stable internet
• ●  Lack of conducive space for learning — 36 per cent of youth attend online learning sessions in a non-conducive environment
• ●  Lack of access to devices — 21 per cent of youth lack access to devices for online learning
• ●  Lack experience in online learning — 19 per cent of youth lack experience in online learning

Lack of motivation

Lack of motivation remains as one of the major barriers to online learning. The same holds true for overall learning, especially among the younger age groups.

Twelve per cent of youth aged 13- 17 years indicated that they have low intrinsic motivation to learn while 35 per cent are uncertain about their attitude towards learning.

These findings are in line with the survey conducted with educational institutions which revealed that 43 per cent of teachers or lecturers struggle with poor student engagement as one of the barriers to online learning.

Based on the findings, efforts should focus on increasing young people’s awareness of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that could help them in their academics and skills development.

As digital literacy is a key skill in this time of digital transformation, it is crucial for young people to be in an environment that encourages and enables such learning and growth.

Corporate CSR leaders who are passionate about developing younger generations could invest in digital skills workshops that make full use of the blended learning approach, which maintains high engagement levels with physical sessions supplemented with digital tools and resources to enhance learning.

Educational institutions and educators could also encourage peer-to-peer learning by providing devices and online resources that are user-friendly and easily accessible outside of school hours. @WorldFuture