FORMING SUSTAINABLE MOTIVATION FOR STUDENTS’ RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

In the context of structural transformations in higher education driven by digitalization, internationalization, and changing requirements for graduates’ competencies, students’ research activities acquire the status of a system-forming element of professional training. Analysis of motivational processes reveals that the formation of stable intrinsic motivation for scientific inquiry presents considerable difficulty, as external regulators predominate among most students, such as social approval, achievement orientation, pragmatic career considerations, or avoidance of failure. The study of the distribution of motivational profiles among undergraduate and master’s students in various fields demonstrates a shift toward cognitive motivation when transitioning to higher levels of education, although even at the master’s level the proportion of externally motivated students remains significant. The key factors influencing motivation include the personality of the research supervisor, the degree of autonomy in topic selection, involvement in scientific collectives, as well as the connection of research with practice and publication opportunities. The identified differentiation of motivational priorities depending on the dominant type of motivation and level of training emphasizes the need for individualized pedagogical strategies that facilitate the internalization of research values and the transition from external regulation to self-determination. Particular attention is paid to the role of regular pedagogical interaction, the integration of research tasks into the educational process, and the creation of conditions for early involvement in collective scientific work. The obtained results allow identification of the main mechanisms of transformation of students’ motivational sphere in a transforming educational environment and assessment of the relevance of the proposed approaches for increasing the effectiveness of forming a sustainable research interest.