Motivation in Learning and Happiness among the Low Science Achievers of a Polytechnic Institution: An Exploratory Study

Happiness among students has long been forgotten due to the emphasis of achievements which increase the stress level that led to drop out, unmotivated, and giving up. Motivation of the students in learning science was being emphasized in this study, while associating it with their level of happiness. This exploratory study identifies whether motivation in learning science has any relationship with happiness among Polytechnic students of a state in Malaysia. This is because it was revealed through the review of the literature that the study about the motivation of students in learning science in other educational levels were being emphasized, sidelining the inclusion of polytechnic students as the subject of study. Samples of this study were derived from low performance students identified by the engineering faculty of the institution. It was revealed that the level of motivation in learning sciences and happiness are moderate among the students. Findings also showed that self- efficacy and active learning strategy are positively correlated to happiness while achievement goal has no significant relationship with happiness. Generally, the level of motivation in learning sciences and happiness are moderate among the students. Implications of this study and recommendation for future studies were discussed.