La motivación y el desempeño académico en el área de Lengua y Literatura de los estudiantes de séptimo grado de Educación General Básica de la Unidad Educativa Juan León Mera “La Salle” en la ciudad de Ambato

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the motivation and academic performance in the area of Language and Literature among seventh-grade students of Basic General Education at the Juan León Mera "La Salle" Educational Unit in the city of Ambato. The research employed bibliographic-documentary and field modalities, a mixed approach, and a nonexperimental design with a cross-sectional cut. The level was descriptive, as it described the characteristics of the independent and dependent variables. The population consisted of one Language and Literature teacher and 34 seventh-grade Basic General Education students. For data collection, questionnaires and interviews were used as techniques, with their respective instruments: surveys and interview scripts, which were reviewed and validated by experts in the field. The results show that motivation is closely related to learning and is considered a key factor because it drives students to strive, overcome challenges, and be predisposed to learn. More than a quarter of the students mentioned achieving or exceeding learning goals, as they not only understand and retain knowledge but also apply it effectively. This is thanks to the teacher, who frequently employs motivational activities that encourage students to meaningfully engage with new knowledge. The findings of the research suggest that the students' level of motivation is high, as they feel encouraged and ready to study from the beginning of the class. They maintain an adequate level of attention, participate in class interactions, display good behavior, and demonstrate that motivation enhances their academic performance.