Thesis:

Exploring the life experiences of supporters and volunteers to identify research solutions to increase academic knowledge

Academic motivation is one of the fundamental factors in students’ educational success, particularly in the highly challenging process of the university entrance examination (Konkur) in Iran. Given the psychological pressures, intense competition, and educational limitations associated with this process, identifying effective strategies for enhancing academic motivation is essential. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the increase of academic motivation among Konkur candidates from the perspectives of mentors and students, using a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews. Data analysis revealed five main themes: individual, educational, familial, social, and economic factors. Findings indicated that self-efficacy, goal orientation, and stress management skills were the most significant individual contributors to academic motivation. At the educational level, teachers’ roles, teaching methods, and the learning environment were identified as highly influential. Familial factors such as emotional and financial support, along with realistic parental expectations, also played a vital role. On the social dimension, healthy peer competition, mutual support among friends, and the impact of media and social networks emerged as critical elements. Furthermore, the economic status of families and financial inequalities were recognized as key barriers or facilitators of students’ motivation. Overall, the results highlighted academic motivation as a multidimensional and complex phenomenon shaped by the interplay of internal and external factors. Accordingly, designing comprehensive interventions at the individual, educational, and familial levels can effectively enhance academic motivation and improve students’ performance in the Konkur process. By offering a contextualized and practical framework, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational planners seeking to improve the quality of the national education system.

Keywords: Keywords: Academic motivation, Konkur candidates, educational mentors, individual factors, social fa