Abstract:
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is required for task engagement, good performance and achieve-ment. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between extrinsic motivating factors of a course and intrinsic motivation of medical and dental students as measured by their self-direction aptitude and to determine their relationship with academic achievement. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on two hundred and twenty female medical and dental students at a private medical college. Data was collected for first term exam results and on Course interest survey tool (CIS) and self-direction aptitude survey tool (SDLAS). Pearson’s correlation between CIS and SDLAS was 0.377 (p<0.01). The correlation between SDLAS scale and First Term examination results was 0.166.First term exam may not have given good correlation with CIS and SDLAS as compared to profes-sional exam. Assessment type might have affected the result. This study identified the need for faculty training in self-efficacy, feedback, criterion referenced assessment and instructional methods which promote self-directed learning
