A comparative literature review on motivation, goal orientation, and self-regulated learning: Insights from Malaysia and India

Abstract

This literature review examines the role of motivation in mediating the relationship between goal orientation and self-regulated learning (SRL) in Malaysia and India. While research has extensively explored intrinsic and extrinsic motivation alongside self-efficacy, cross-cultural comparisons remain limited. Findings indicate that Malaysian students are more intrinsically motivated due to collaborative and technology-enhanced learning environments, whereas Indian students rely more on extrinsic motivation driven by the competitive nature of their academic system. Despite these contextual differences, self-efficacy consistently emerges as a key mediator between goal orientation and SRL in both settings. These insights highlight the influence of cultural and institutional factors on student motivation and SRL, offering valuable implications for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance learning outcomes.