Hackathons as extracurricular activities: Unraveling the motivational orientation behind student participation

The education sector is constantly progressing its competency paradigm by establishing a nexus between practical, theoretical, and technical dimensions of teaching and learning. In the modern age of education, hackathons are becoming increasingly prominent in providing an optimal academic environment that connects classroom learnings to real-life scenarios. This study explored the motivational orientation behind student participation in hackathons through the framework provided by self-determination theory. Specifically, it investigated the role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in encouraging initial and continuous hackathon participation. The partial least squares-structural equation modeling method was used to analyze data collected from 437 students in 12 countries. According to the findings, although intrinsic motivation influences participation intention, extrinsic motivation drives continuance participation. When intrinsic and extrinsic motivational constructs were analyzed individually, it was found that continuance participation demands both motivational orientations. Comparisons of demographic characteristics indicate that older students with more extensive educational experience may have higher intentions to participate and continue participating in these events. This study offers insights into how the education sector can increase hackathon participation by tapping on students' motivational orientation. From a methodological point of view, it is apparent to recommend the promotion of hackathons as a core extracurricular activity at a school level, and more indispensably, as pedagogy at a classroom level. In a world where students are encouraged to fail early, fast, and often, participating in hackathons is a tactical preparation for eventual success.