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Article Title: Relationship between Achievement Goals and Academic Achievement of Form Three Students in Nairobi County, Kenya
by Caroline Atieno Obura, Teresia Kinai, Ph.D and Philomena Ndambuki, Ph.D

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between achievement goals and academic achievement of form three students in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. The trichotomous achievement goal framework and the self-worth theory of achievement motivation formed the theoretical framework. The study adopted a correlational research design to establish the relationship between the variables. The study sample consisted of 602 students selected from 13 schools using purposive, stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling procedures. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to analyse data. The results obtained from correlation analysis showed that mastery goals (r (595) = .17, p< .01) and performance-approach (r (595) = .18, p< .05) goals were both positively correlated to academic achievement. Performance-avoidance goals, on the other hand, were negatively correlated with academic achievement (r (595) = -.15, p< .05). The findings supported the two goals perspective that recognises the benefits of both mastery and performance goals. It showed that mastery goals only may not be helpful to all students. Based on the findings, the researcher suggests that in order to attain better academic achievement, it is important for students to adopt achievement goals that focus on developing as well as demonstrating competence. Mastery goals only may not be helpful in every context or for all students. The findings may contribute to an increase in the knowledge base for teachers who may see the need to implement appropriate classroom practices that can encourage the adoption of mastery and performance-approach goals. This, in turn, may enable students to improve academic achievement and reach their full potential.

Keywords: academic achievement; achievement goals; mastery goals; performance approach goals; performance avoidance goals; self-worth

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