Motivational component of cognitive activity of first-year university students (the case of IKBFU)

The research deals with the motivational component of cognitive activity of first-year students of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU). It analyzes the meaning of life orientations, motives of entering the university and choosing a specialty, as well as aspects of students’ extracurricular activities. The main method was questionnaire survey (n=533). The study showed that the meaning of life orientations, motives for entering university and choosing a specialty of students are based on both materialistic (desire to earn money, get a job) and post-materialistic values (interest in study, chosen specialty). In general, most of the motives are of narrow social nature, focused on personal goals that lie outside the educational process. In the structure of students’ leisure time, intellectual leisure is present, but a significant part of time is devoted to less cognitive activities. Low interest in university events and scientific activities is revealed, which emphasizes the need to develop pedagogical work in these areas. The results of the study can be used to personalize and individualize the educational environment of the university.