From Support to Aspiration: The Mediating Role of Information Access in Students' Higher Education Aspirations

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v11i1.15852
Authors

(1) * Muhammad Jailani   (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)  
        Indonesia
(2)  Amiruddin Siahaan   (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)  
        Indonesia
(3)  Muhammad Fadhli   (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)  
        Indonesia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


This study aims to examine the relationships among parental support, learning motivation, information access, and students' interest in pursuing undergraduate education. A quantitative, causal-associative design was used, involving 189 twelfth-grade students from two public senior high schools. Data were collected using a closed-ended Likert-scale questionnaire measuring parental support, learning motivation, information access, and educational interest. The researchers analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and path analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships among the variables. The findings show that parental support is significantly related to educational interest (R² = 0.077) and information access (R² = 0.029), while learning motivation is related to educational interest (R² = 0.024) and information access (R² = 0.420). Information access relates significantly to educational interest (R² = 0.265) and mediates the relationships between parental support and learning motivation and educational interest, with indirect effects of 6.7% and 20.7%, respectively. The model also explains 16.0% of the variance in educational interest. The study concludes that educational aspirations emerge through interconnected familial, motivational, and informational factors. Schools should strengthen career guidance, information services, and parent collaboration to support informed higher education planning.

Keywords

Parental Support, Learning Motivation, Information Access, Higher Education Interest







References


Abbas, S. G., Ayaz, N., & Mahjabeen, A. (2025). Educational Aspirations and Social Mobility: A Survey of Secondary School Students' Future Goals. Research Consortium Archive, 3(2), 239–260.

Adeyeye, G. M., & Dasoo, N. (2024). The Role of Family Support in Enhancing Higher Education Attainment: A Comparative Study Across Socioeconomic Backgrounds—Introduction Literature Review Methodology Discussion of Findings Policy and Practice Implications Conclusion References. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 2024, 322.

Aminah, S., Maimun, A., & Zuhriyah, I. A. (2025). Strategic Public Relations as a Driver of Institutional Positioning and Competitive Advantage in Higher Education. Business and Applied Management Journal, 3(2), 195–208. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v3i2.1641

Arifin, M., Jazilurrahman, J., & AS, A. H. (2025). Continuous Improvement in Learning Innovation Management to Enhance Students' Learning Motivation. Business and Applied Management Journal, 3(1), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v3i1.1302

Aston, K. J. (2024). Why Is This Hard, to Have Critical Thinking? Exploring the Factors Affecting Critical Thinking With International Higher Education Students. Active Learning in Higher Education, 25(3), 537–550. https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874231168341

Bakke, I. B. (2023). Career and Cultural Context: Collective Individualism, Egalitarianism and Work-Centrality in the Career Thinking of Norwegian Teenagers. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 51(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2021.1872767

Bhardwaj, V., Zhang, S., Tan, Y. Q., & Pandey, V. (2025). Redefining Learning: Student-Centered Strategies for Academic and Personal Growth. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1518602. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1518602

Blinkoff, E., Nesbitt, K. T., Golinkoff, R. M., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2023). Investigating the Contributions of Active, Playful Learning to Student Interest and Educational Outcomes. Acta Psychologica, 238, 103983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103983

Bryda, G., & Sadowski, D. (2024). From Words to Themes: AI-Powered Qualitative Data Coding and Analysis. World Conference on Qualitative Research, 309–345. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65735-1_19

Chaaban, Y., Naccache, H., & Elmadad, J. (2024). A Multi-Faceted Analysis of the Factors Influencing Adolescents' Career Aspirations: Recommendations for Policy. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2024.2428313

Champ, R. E., Adamou, M., & Tolchard, B. (2023). Seeking Connection, Autonomy, and Emotional Feedback: A Self-Determination Theory of Self-Regulation in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychological Review, 130(3), 569. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000398

Chernosky, J. M., & Juarez, E. (2025). Navigating Graduate Education Pathways: Cultural Wealth and the American Dream in Hispanic Students' Academic Aspirations. Journal of Latinos and Education, 24(5), 1456–1473. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2025.2477509

Conover, G. M., Monk, M. B., Nigli, S., & Awalt, A. (2024). Early Exposure of Medical Students to a Formal Research Program Promotes Successful Scholarship in a Multi-Campus Medical School. Medical Science Educator, 34(5), 1091–1103. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-024-02098-6

Costa, A., Moreira, D., Casanova, J., Azevedo, Â., Gonçalves, A., Oliveira, Í., Azevedo, R., & Dias, P. C. (2024). Determinants of Academic Achievement From the Middle to Secondary School Education: A Systematic Review. Social Psychology of Education, 27(6), 3533–3572. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-024-09941-z

Davidovitch, N., & Dorot, R. (2023). The Effect of Motivation for Learning Among High School Students and Undergraduate Students—A Comparative Study. International Education Studies, 16(2), 117–127. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v16n2p117

Dewi, A. T. A., Rofik, M., Holidi, M., Najiburahman, N., Baharun, H., Zaini, A. W., & Sanjani, M. A. F. (2025). CBT Exam Implementation Guidance for Students in Facing Digital-Based Assessments. Communautaire: Journal of Community Service, 4(3), 297–312. https://doi.org/10.61987/communautaire.v4i3.820

Douwes, R., Metselaar, J., Pijnenborg, G. H. M., & Boonstra, N. (2023). Well-Being of Students in Higher Education: The Importance of a Student Perspective. Cogent Education, 10(1), 2190697. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2190697

Efridita, Q. (2026). Psychological Factors Influencing Students’ Academic Engagement in Higher Education. Journal of Psychological Insight, 2(2), 116–127.

Ekawati, M., Abdullah, G., & Ariyanto, L. (2026). The Green and Inclusive School: Bridging Environmental Education and Social Justice through Strategic Principal Leadership. Al-Tanzim: Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 10(3), 866–878. https://doi.org/10.33650/al-tanzim.v10i3.13580

Epstein, J. L., Sheldon, S. B., & Hine, M. G. (2025). Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence on School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Reflections and Extensions. In Handbook on Families and Education (pp. 10–28). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035300686.00009

Fantinelli, S., Cortini, M., Di Fiore, T., Iervese, S., & Galanti, T. (2024). Bridging the Gap Between Theoretical Learning and Practical Application: A Qualitative Study in the Italian Educational Context. Education Sciences, 14(2), 198. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020198

Fatmasari, R., Rasyidi, Windiyani, T., & Putri, D. F. (2025). Artificial Intelligence as a Tool to Improve the Quality of Job-Ready Graduate Skills in Higher Education. Proceedings of the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, and Communications Technology, IAICT 2025, 129–136. https://doi.org/10.1109/IAICT65714.2025.11101572

Firdaus, S., & Abrian, Y. (2025). A Quantitative Study on the Influence of Authenticity and Employee Helpfulness on Customer Delight at the Balcone Hotel & Resort. Journal of Multidimensional Management, 2(1), 114–119. https://doi.org/10.63076/jomm.v2i1.26

Fitriani, N. S. (2025). Innovative Work Behavior Lecturers: A Bibliometric Approach in Higher Education Research. Journal of Psychological Insight, 1(1), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.61987/jpi.v1i1.663

Guslina, I., Giharjo, G., Inriana, H. L., Susilawati, S., & Ardiansyah, E. (2026). Social Media and Personal Branding as Determinants of Motivation Among Generation Z Students at Stim Budi Bakti. International Conference on Research and Development (ICORAD), 5(1), 106–114.

Hao, H., Zhu, Q., & Feng, C. (2025). The Impact of Multiple Supports on University Students' Physical Education Learning Motivation: A Dual Analysis Based on SEM and fsQCA. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1446317. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1446317

Hasanah, S. N. A., Firdausiah, R. J., Adzimah, M., Khomairohtusshiyamah, U., Mundiri, A., & Zain, Z. H. (2026). From Policy to Practice: Inclusive Career Management in Higher Education. Indonesian Journal of Progressive Pedagogy, 2(1), 128–138. https://doi.org/10.61987/ijpp.v2i1.1469

Hidajat, T. J., Nguyen, T., Edwards, E. J., Lynch, D., & Carroll, A. (2026). Family-School Partnership Initiatives to Improve Student Attendance: A Systematic Review. Review of Education, 14(2), e70175. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.70175

Hidayah, S., & Minarti, S. (2025). Influence of Fashion Trends on Social Behavior: An Islamic Educational Perspective Among University Students. Business and Applied Management Journal, 3(1), 12–21. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v3i1.505

Hinton‐Smith, T., & Cane, T. (2024). Care Trajectories and Imagining Potential: Positioning the Need for Skills, Confidence and Communication Among Key Professionals Supporting the Higher Education Progression of Care‐Experienced Young People. British Educational Research Journal, 50(5), 2242–2259. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.4021

Hou, C., Zhu, G., & Sudarshan, V. (2025). The Role of Critical Thinking on Undergraduates' Reliance Behaviours on Generative AI in Problem‐Solving. British Journal of Educational Technology, 56(5), 1919–1941. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13613

Ihsan, M. F., Muflihah, U. N., & Aimah, S. (2025). Implementation of Islamic Boarding School-Based Madrasah Management in Improving Student Services and Development. Business and Applied Management Journal, 3(1), 22–31. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v3i1.506

Jemini Gashi, L., Bërxulli, D., Konjufca, J., & Cakolli, L. (2023). Effectiveness of Career Guidance Workshops on the Career Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectations, and Career Goals of Adolescents: An Intervention Study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 28(1), 2281421. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2023.2281421

Khomairoh, U., Hefniy, Diana, E., & Hassan Sain, Z. (2025). Quality Control Emotions: Strategies for Managing Student Stress in Higher Education. Journal of Psychological Insight, 1(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.61987/jpi.v1i1.651

Maharani, A., Saharuddin, S., & Junaidi, J. (2026). The Effect of Work Environment and Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance: A Quantitative Study at Bank Sulselbar. Golden Ratio of Mapping Idea and Literature Format, 6(2), 1890–1900. https://doi.org/10.52970/grmilf.v6i2.2110

Mitsopoulou, A. G., & Pavlatou, E. A. (2024). Investigating the Factors Contributing to the Formation of Secondary School Students' Interest Towards Higher Education Studies. Education Sciences, 14(2), 183. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020183

Moosa, M., & Aloka, P. J. O. (2023). Motivational Factors as a Driver for Success for First-Year Students at a Selected Public University in South Africa. Student Success, 14(1), 21–34. https://doi.org/10.5204/ssj.2415

Mulaudzi, I. C. (2023). Challenges Faced by First-Year University Students: Navigating the Transition to Higher Education. Journal of Education and Human Development, 12(2), 79–87. https://doi.org/10.15640/jehd.v12n2a8

Novelsa, F., & Afdal, A. (2023). Analysis of Factors Influencing Vocational High School Students' Interest in Continuing Education to Higher Education. Counseling and Humanities Review, 1(1), 74–78. https://doi.org/10.24036/000617chr2023

Opoku, M. P., Ashour, S., Nketsia, W., Anwahi, N., Alsumaiti, R., & Moustafa, A. (2025). Using Epstein's Model to Understanding Maternal Involvement in the Education of Children With Disabilities in an Arab Context. Community, Work & Family, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13668803.2025.2557257

Phalapong, P. (2026). Aspirations-Capabilities of School-to-Work Transition in a Migratory Context: A Case of Thai Tertiary-Level Migrants in Taiwan. Asia Pacific Viewpoint, 67(1), 2–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/apv.70012

Ravšelj, D., Keržič, D., Tomaževič, N., Umek, L., Brezovar, N., Iahad, N., Abdulla, A. A., Akopyan, A., Segura, M. W. A., Alhumaid, J., Allam, M., Alló, M., Andoh, R., Andronic, O., Arthur, Y., Aydın, F., Badran, A., Balbontín-Alvarado, R., Saad, B., … Aristovnik, A. (2025). Higher Education Students' Perceptions of ChatGPT: A Global Study of Early Reactions. PLOS ONE, 20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0315011

Révész, A. (2023). Coding Second Language Data Validly and Reliably. Current Approaches in Second Language Acquisition Research: A Practical Guide, 257–275. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781394259670.ch12

Riad, A., Elsheikh, L., Domnori, S., Doris Fratila, A., Carter, C., Kaya, D. D., Volevach, E., England, R., Morgado, M., & Issa, J. (2025). Career Aspirations of Dental Students: Insights From a Multinational Study Using Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Frontiers in Oral Health, 6, 1577870. https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1577870

Rinjani, R. A., Sumiati, A., & Adha, M. A. (2024). Optimizing Educational Aspirations: The Influence of Learning Motivation and Self-Potential on Higher Education Interest. Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, Perkantoran, Dan Akuntansi, 5(1), 241–252. https://doi.org/10.21009/jpepa.0501.23

Rosalina, E., Sukoco, I., & Muhyi, H. A. (2026). Faculty Education, Academic Rank, and International Exposure as Drivers of University Internationalization: Evidence From an Indonesian Public University. Business and Applied Management Journal, 4(1), 115–133. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v4i1.2108

Ryan, R. M., Jang, H., Wang, J. C. K., Matos, L., Gordeeva, T., Kaplan, H., Behzadnia, B., Kantas, Ö., Ferber, K. A., & Soenens, B. (2025). Variations in Need Supports in Education as a Function of Cultural and Economic Factors: Perspectives From Self-Determination Theory. Educational Psychology Review, 37(4), 118. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10088-2

Sain, Z. H., Baharun, H., & Abdullah, N. B. (2024). Enhancing Higher Education Pedagogy with ChatGPT: Leveraging the Power of Generative AI. Journal Emerging Technologies in Education, 2(3), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.70177/jete.v2i3.1189

Samad, A., Khan, I., & Hussain, M. (2024). Students' Practices and Perceptions Regarding Discipline Selection Based on Parents' Advice and Its Impact on Academic Achievement in Higher Education. Policy Journal of Social Science Review, 2(4), 181–204.

Sanjani, M. A. F., Hasanah, U., Fauzi, M. N., & Abrori, M. (2024). The role of school environment in maintaining the consistency of hijab wearing in students: Social challenges and solutions for religious education in the modern era. Journal of Social Studies and Education, 2(1), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.61987/jsse.v2i1.392

Santos, S. A., Nada, C., Macedo, E., & Araújo, H. C. (2025). 'No Time for Dreams': Young Adults' Educational Expectations and Aspirations. Educational Research, 67(2), 247–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2025.2488300

Silverman, D. M., Hernandez, I. A., & Destin, M. (2023). Educators' Beliefs About Students' Socioeconomic Backgrounds as a Pathway for Supporting Motivation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 49(2), 215–232. https://doi.org/10.1177/01461672211061945

Smyth, E. (2023). Social Differentiation in Career Decision-Making Processes and Higher Education Intentions: The Role of Family Background and School Composition in the Use of Different Sources of Information. Oxford Review of Education, 49(5), 643–663. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2022.2128321

Standage, M., Ryan, R. M., & Curran, T. (2025). Self-Determination Theory Applied to Physical Education: The Role of Self-Regulatory Processes in Facilitating High-Quality Student Motivation, Engagement, and Well-Being. In Motivation in Physical Education (pp. 29–51). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-86908-2_2

Sukardi, J. S., Hanum, F., & Efianingrum, A. (2025). Multicultural Education Patterns in Promoting Tolerance Among High School Students. Jurnal Cakrawala Pendidikan, 44(3), 701–713. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v44i3.84362

Supriadi, A. D., Saragih, T. S., Wibowo, A. M., Pradana, F. E., & Hutabarat, R. H. F. (2024). Islamic Religious Views in Indonesia on Employment Social Security and the Strategic Role of Ulama. Eduvest-Journal of Universal Studies, 4(12). https://doi.org/10.59188/eduvest.v4i12.49967

Swai, C. P. (2025). Exploring the Challenges of Higher Education Costs on Students From Low-Income Families: A Case of One University in Tanzania (EES-25-0008). Equity in Education & Society, 27526461251371316. https://doi.org/10.1177/27526461251371316

Wang, Y., Ge, Y., Chu, M., & Xu, X. (2024). Factors Influencing Nursing Undergraduates' Motivation for Postgraduate Entrance: A Qualitative Inquiry. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 728. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-024-02373-2

Wang, Y., Tang, S., & Meng, Y. (2025). Goal-Setting Mechanisms in Educational Management: A Psychological Perspective on Student and Teacher Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1680752. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1680752

Xu, X., Cai, H., Zhang, J., & Xia, T. (2024). The Effects of Parental Food Education on Children's Food Literacy: The Mediating Role of Parent-Child Relationship and Learning Motivation. Nutrients, 16(15), 2564. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152564

Yoeliyanto, J., Yulianto, B., Trihantoyo, S., & Sa'diyah, D. F. (2025). Digitalizing Faculty Career Advancement: How SIM-PAK Quality Accelerates Academic Rank Promotion. Business and Applied Management Journal, 3(2), 394–406. https://doi.org/10.61987/bamj.v3i2.1984

Zheng, X., Mohd Puad, M. H., & Ab. Jalil, H. (2025). A Scoping Review of Job Search Self-Efficacy Over the Past 5 Years: Antecedents, Mechanisms, Consequences, and Future Directions Based on SCT/SCCT. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1596847. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1596847


Dimensions, PlumX, and Google Scholar Metrics

10.33650/al-tanzim.v11i1.15852


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2027 Muhammad Jailani, Amiruddin Siahaan, Muhammad Fadhli

Creative Commons License
 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Al-Tanzim : Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam
Published by Lembaga Penerbitan, Penelitian, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LP3M) of Nurul Jadid University, Paiton, Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia.