Increasing Students’ Motivation for the Health-Preserving Activities

Abstract

This article studies the measures to increase motivation of the first-year students in terms of health-preserving activity. The study involved first-year students of various specialties of H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University (Ukraine). The study was performed in three stages. At the first stage, we conducted an anonymous test to determine the motivation of future professionals towards health-preserving activity, the results of which has shown, that 46% of students had a low level and did not have a need for health care; they were not motivated to a healthy lifestyle, while having harmful habits, 35% of students had an average level and were willing to take measures to support their health. And only 19% had a higher level of motivation for health-preserving activitie. At the second stage in the educational process the formation of sustainable motivation and values to health-preserving activities was provided by non-traditional lectures (problem-solving lectures, lectures-presentations, lectures-discussions, organization of practical and seminar classes using innovative teaching methods, organization of educational activities). As an outcome of conducted activities we arranged an anonymous survey among students, the results of which has shown that the level of students motivated to health-preserving activities has increased. 30% of students had a high level of motivation. The majority of students (48%) had an average level of motivation for health-preserving activities and expressed a desire to be engaged in health activities. Students who had a low level of motivation also reconsidered their habits and began to pay attention towards their own health support. Their number decreased to 22%. This indicates the effectiveness of various measures in the educational process to increase student motivation for health-preserving activities. Such data indicates on the effectiveness of health activities support during the educational and training activities of students.