The students’ perception on their attire and learning motivation

Abstract

Proper attire and learning motivation are two components that are interesting to be investigated. This is because the first impressions can be long-lasting, and they are usually based on a thin slice of behaviour and outlook, as Morris (1996, p. 135) explains that it is impossible to wear clothes without transmitting social signals.This study tried to explore more about the students’ perception on their attire and learning motivation. The research was conducted at IAIN Zawiyah Cot Kala Langsa, particularly in the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business. Six participantsfrom different stages and semesters, three males and three females who are studying at Syari’ah Banking Department, were the samples of this research. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the students’ perception on their attire and learning motivation. Data were collected by using individual semi-structured interviews. Interview data were open coded and thematically analysed. The findings indicated that wearing proper attire does not reflect the motivation of learning. The participants classified that the attire is worn to increase the sense of confidence in order to attract people. Learning motivation, however, is acquired from the willingness of each student.