The role of motivation in MOOCs’ retention rates: a systematic literature review

Abstract Although MOOCs platforms offer a unique way to provide information for large cohort of participants, only small percentage participants complete MOOCs. The high number dropouts in is key challenge, and the literature suggests that it can be affected by participants' motivation. However, not known how what extent motivation influences participants’ dropout There need an overview role MOOCs’ retention. In this study, we aimed identify motivational factors theories affect retention explain does supports To do so, systematic review was conducted using specific inclusion exclusion criteria set relevant keywords databases which resulted 50 publications. Our analysis led us six main influence completion including academic, social, course, personal, professional, technological motives. These were divided into two categories need-based interest-based results showed academic motives play most important compared other factors. It also found self-determination theory used as dominant support completion. addition, revealed impacts directly, but impact mediated participant satisfaction, self-regulation, attitude toward MOOCs, performance, engagement, level participation. Based on results, further implications practice future research are provided.