INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED SELF-DETERMINATION AND SELF-EFFICACY ON CAREER MOTIVATION IN MATHEMATICS AMONG AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STUDENTS OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

This study explores the influence of perceived self-determination and self-efficacy on career motivation in Mathematics among agricultural science education students of Nigerian universities. Three research questions guided the study covering the relationship between perceived self-determination and career motivation in Mathematics, relationship between self-efficacy and career motivation in Mathematics, and the combined influence of self-determination and self-efficacy on career motivation in Mathematics among agricultural science education students. The study employs descriptive survey research design. Population of the study was 480 students from the three (3) public universities in Ekiti State. A sample size of 123 students was drawn using convenience sampling technique and used for the study. A four-point rating scale questionnairetitled “Agricultural Science Education Students Self-Determination and Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (ASESSDSEQ)”was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was subjected to both thecontent and construct validation by three experts, two from science education and the other from test and measurement. The instrument was also tested for reliability on agricultural science education students in a university in another state. The resultsof the reliability coefficient through Cronbach alpha obtained was 0.81. Data analysis was carried out using frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, correlation, odd ratios, regression coefficient and beta coefficient. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and career motivation (Pearson correlation coefficient =0.482, p-value=0.001) and a significant positive relationship also existed between self-efficacy and career motivation in Mathematics among ASES (Odd Ratio=1.930, std. Error=0.117, 95%CI 5.856-63.63.662, at p=0.001) among others. Based on the findings, it was concluded that perceived self-determination and self-efficacy significantly influence career motivation in Mathematics among agricultural science education students (ASES) of Nigerian universities. It was, therefore recommended that educators should promote self-determination and self-efficacy among students to enhance their career motivation and success in Mathematics-related fields.