Learning Motivation Profile of Fatherless Students

Abstract

This study was motivated by observations of "fatherless" students (students growing up without a father figure) at SMKN 3 Padang who frequently procrastinate on assignments—leading to missed deadlines—give up easily when encountering difficulties, and lose enthusiasm when facing academic challenges. The study aimed to determine the learning motivation profiles of these students based on four indicators: persistence in tackling assignments, tenacity in overcoming difficulties, independence in learning, and susceptibility to boredom with routine tasks. A quantitative descriptive method was employed. The study population consisted of 30 students, all of whom were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results indicate that the learning motivation profile of fatherless students at SMKN 3 Padang falls into the low category across all indicators: 1) persistence in tackling assignments (low); 2) tenacity in overcoming difficulties (low); 3) independence in learning (low); and 4) susceptibility to boredom with routine tasks (low). Based on these findings, it is recommended that fatherless students enhance their learning motivation by fostering a stronger desire to learn—grounded in the belief that education is important and contributes to their well-being—thereby cultivating high motivation for their studies.