Enjoyment in Academic Pursuit and Performance Improvement

Abstract

Academic pursuit is a long-term commitment, which can lead to negative consequences, such as lack of motivation, dissatisfaction, and disappointment if performance in an examination is low. Enjoyment in academic pursuits can sustain the interest and focus necessary to learn and perform. The flow theory, optimal level of arousal, positive academic self-perception, and positive emotional environment provide the necessary intrinsic motivation and important directions to develop strategies to enjoy academic pursuit. A framework has been developed to indicate that simultaneous activation of positive academic self-perception and positive emotional environment routes leads to effective learning with consequent improvement in performance. Students can use these devices through continuous academic self-assessment. Research directions and applications are indicated.