This study aims to examine whether students’ level of motivation to learn in a college influences how they
perceive an ideal teacher. One hundred and twenty-two students participated in this study. Participants
completed a questionnaire on their motivation and ideal teacher’s traits. Results support the view that
students are generally extrinsically motivated. Students’ academic motivation corresponded to their
perception of ideal teacher’s behaviour. This study recommends that teachers use different instructional
strategies to motivate both intrinsic and extrinsic students
