Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences 5(14):304-311 An analysis of a sample of South African university students’ reflections on Nelson Mandela as a motivator of learning
Type
E-Journal
Authors
Category
Publication Year
2014
Publisher
URL
[ private ]
Pages
8 p.
Subject
Higher education, Students, Reflections, Nelson Mandela, Role, Motivation, Modelling theory, Learning, South Africa
Tags
Abstract
The purpose of the research on which this paper rests was to elicit university student’s reflections on a then living international icon and examines the extent to which the person and role of Nelson Mandela positively influenced students’ motivation. The sample consisted of a group of students in the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme. The contents of answers to an assignment in the language module in a narrative writing exercise were found to be worthy of analysis and that is why this is a retrospective study and the students’ answers constitute the data. The theoretical framework rests on motivation and the effect of an icon based on modelling theory. The findings led the authors to conclude that the subjects appreciated and valued Mandela’s life sacrifices and guidance as an iconic leader of the nation. This, in turn, has impacted on motivating university students to develop a culture of learning as told and narrated by them.
Number of Copies
1
