Relationship between Social Behaviour and Academic Motivation among Undergraduates of Faculty of Education Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study examined the relationship between social behaviour and academic motivation among undergraduates of the Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives and two corresponding null hypotheses. Correlational survey design was employed. The population comprised 300 level undergraduates of Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a total of 2,629 as at 2021/2022 academic session, while the sample consisted of 346 respondents. Data were collected using two instruments: School Social Behaviour Scale (SBSS) and Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Both the instrument were adapted and were measured on a 5-point Likert scale with internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.861 and 0.704 respectively. Data collected were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings of the study revealed that undergraduates of the Faculty of Education have high level of academic motivation as indicated by their mean score. There was significant positive relationship between pro-social behaviour and academic motivation r = .745 and p = .001, a significant negative relationship between anti-social behaviour and academic motivation r = - .674 and p = 0.002. The researchers recommended that educational psychologists, counsellors, lecturers and parents should encourage students to enhance academic motivation by creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Also, students should be taught and encouraged on how to practice pro-social behaviour by fostering positive relationships with peers and teachers, and promoting intrinsic motivation since it boosts academic motivation and plays a critical role in discouraging anti-social behaviour since it is having negative relationship on academic motivation.