Comparing learning motivation and learning style between natural science and social science students in higher education

This study aim to assess and analyse the extent of motivation and learning styles between students of natural science and social science. This study was carried out by survey research method using online questionnaire. The sample consists of 320 students from Faculty of Education in University of Jember and Sebelas Maret University. The questionnaire used to measure students learning motivation, was the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ) and inventory of learning styles (ILS), was used to measure student learning styles. Data gathered were analysed descriptively and inferentially using the SPSS package. Result from the descriptive analysis found that there is a significant difference between science and social science students in learning motivation and learning styles. There was also a positive relation between learning motivation and learning styles. The results of this study give useful information for improving the teaching and learning process of teachers and students, because the effective teaching and learning requires flexibility, creativity and responsibility in order to provide an instructional environment to respond to the learner's individual needs.