Study of International Relations students’ motivation: Assessing the effectiveness of educational process management via Action Research strategy

Introduction. The article raises the problem of increasing motivation among university students in learning their major. Despite the fact that a large number of research articles are devoted to the problem of motivation, the issue of assessing the effectiveness of educational process management as one of the key factors in creating a motivating educational environment, remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to determine and describe an effective strategy of intervention and external support for students majoring in “International Relations” in order to increase motivation in learning their academic major via Action Research. Materials and Methods. The methodology is based on Activity theory, person-oriented approach, educational environment assessment, literature review, project-based learning, role-plays and Action Research, as well as on quantitative, qualitative and interpretive research. An analytical review has been carried out in order to identify methods and technologies that can be used to increase motivation to educational activities. Quantitative and qualitative methods include two surveys with subsequent interpretation of the results obtained and provide the basis for developing and testing the strategy of assessing the effectiveness of educational process management. Results. The results of the surveys and their interpretation analysis have demonstrated a high level of student interest in English as a foreign language yet with an insufficient level of motivation for their major, as well as the students’ assessment of professional role-playing games as an effective and emotionally comfortable form of education. Based on Action Research and project-based learning the authors developed an action strategy, substantiated the principles of its implementation, the degree of intervention and external support while maintaining psychological comfort and the level of student autonomy. The authors found that increased involvement is also determined by the freedom to choose the focus of the project, a meaningful professional context, successful team work and effective management of the educational process. The results of the intervention helped the authors to develop recommendations for replicating and scaling up the experience gained. Conclusions. In conclusion, inferences are made about the importance of effective external management for increasing motivation among the students. It has been proven that a sufficient level of intervention in the educational process and external support allow for higher degree of engagement and motivation in learning majors. Conclusions are also made about the Action Research method as a basis for effective management of the educational process, solving didactic problems, adjusting teaching interventions and assessing the results obtained.