Does Study Abroad Grading Motivate Students?

Abstract

Our goal in conducting this research is twofold: to contribute to this discussion by exploring relationships of various sorts between grading and motivation, and to broaden the discussion of the central question under investigation. We believe that study abroad is about a good deal more than grades and academic achievement. To this end, we widened the scope of the investigation. We considered an assessment of motivation that includes an evaluation of the degree to which the student is engaged with the host community and is making an effort to derive maximum benefit from the intercultural dimensions of the program, even though these efforts are rarely related to grades received. Cultural integration and learning are a significant and unique part of the study abroad experience and we considered it important to explore student motivation in these regards, while also tracking the impact of grades related to transcript practices.