Factors Affecting Malaysian Undergraduate Students' Motivation in Improving English Proficiency in Academic Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 35-73
Author(s):  
Ali Sorayyaei Azar ◽  
Siti Aisyah Binti Mohd Sahar
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Academic Environments

Motivation plays an important role in the achievement of one's goals, whether as a student or as a worker. It is also an integral component in executing tasks. It is essential in pushing and encouraging people to carry out their daily activities. This research will focus on the different aspects of motivation. In Malaysia, English proficiency is an essential tool to gaining employment. It is for this reason that students are trained to have adequate English communication skills. Here, motivation will play a key role in driving them to become fluent English speakers. Although there are multiple types of motivation, this research will mainly focus on two forms: extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. As explained by Kong, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are two inseparable phenomena that complement each other when it comes to language learning. First extrinsic motivation, which refers to behaviour that is driven by external factors such as colleagues, friends, and family will be a powerful tool in a student's attempt to master the English language. The encouragement provided by a student's loved ones will certainly lift his/ her spirits if he/she falters in his/her efforts. Extrinsic motivation is also present in another form: rewards. Students who mainly rely on this method of extrinsic motivation will require a reward after accomplishing a goal/task, like taking a break or eating a snack. Vice versa to the students with intrinsic motivation, these individuals motivate themselves from within through internalised structures. This type of students is anxious to know and study on their own to achieve what they want. They generally do not need other people or other external motivators as long as they have their own inner drive. Furthermore, their inner selves are eager to accomplish their goals and fulfil their wishes. This study is conducted to investigate the factors that affect Malaysian undergraduate students' motivation to learn English in academic environments. It seems that the English fluency, particularly for those who have not built a concrete basic foundation in English, can be considered as one of the major issues in Malaysian education for the last few decades. To improve their grasp of the English language, students need motivation to keep them moving forward. There are various types of factors that affect the students' motivation. This study attempted quantitative research design using an online survey method. There were 306 respondents of Malaysian undergraduate students from four faculties (management, medical, hospitality, and engineering fields) at one of the private universities in Malaysia. The questionnaire was distributed using Google Form. Then, the results were analysed through SPSS software. The results revealed that the Malaysian undergraduate students were indeed affected by their intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The students were intrinsically motivated by their own selves and extrinsically motivated by their parents, lecturers, friends, and academic environment to improve their proficiency in the English language. As such, the pedagogical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Motivation and Autonomy in Learning English as Foreign Language: A Case Study of Ecuadorian College Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Cevallos Bravo ◽  
Eder A. Intriago ◽  
Jhonny Villafuerte Holguin ◽  
Gustavo Molina Garzon ◽  
Luis Ortega Arcia
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Attitudes ◽  
Correct Pronunciation ◽  
Different Levels

This quantitative research aims to examine how different levels of motivation relate to frequency of occurrence of autonomous language learning activities undertaken by undergraduate students. Eight hundred and sixty-two college students from 10 vocational training programs of a public university located in Ecuador, South America, participated in this study. Spratt’s questionnaire that regards ‘autonomy and motivation’ as a cyclical interaction in the language learning process, was updated by the researchers, adding digital education elements. The data were analyzed using the program SPSS v24.0.0 The results showed that there was a significant relationship between: the language learning stimulation generated by professors and the participants’ learning attitudes. In addition, it was determined that the most frequent language practices in which the participants showed greatest autonomy were: listening to songs in English language, worrying about the correct pronunciation, and noting down interesting words or expressions in English.

scholarly journals Building Vocabulary for Language Learning: Approach for ESL Learners to Study New Vocabulary

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-511
Author(s):  
Adel M. Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Word Search

This project investigated Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs) English Language Learners used; and strategies they thought were effective to them in terms of language proficiency. Using an online survey, 121 participants responded to statements regarding their usage of VLSs. Participants have been divided into two groups: (1) learners with low English proficiency level and (2) learners with high English proficiency level to measure the significance between them in response to the VLS questionnaire. The analysis measured five sets of vocabulary knowledge: building synonyms network, learning definition(s) with contexts, pronunciation process, bookmark word search, and remembering strategy for writing. This project determined that the group with high language proficiency agreed more on the items selected than those with low language proficiency.

scholarly journals Exploring the Role of Motivation in English Language Teaching: Learners and Teachers Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 534-545
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ajmal Et al.
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Entertainment Media ◽  
Learning And Teaching

This study aims at exploring and investigating the role of motivation in learning and teaching of English language. It highlights the fact if extrinsic motivation is likely to have an impact on the learning process of a student stronger than intrinsic motivation, or both types of motivations have a significant role to play in the process. The study also focuses on the role of a teacher in building a conducive environment to sustain a healthy competition in teaching a second language. The questionnaire was sent to undergraduate students of 2 universities by using Google forms. The sample size for this research population was 60. There were a total of 19 (31.7%) male respondents and 41 (68.3%) female respondents. The results conclude that students’ guardians have a significant role to play in learning a new language. The primary method, for most students, to learn English language was through entertainment media such as television and movies. A significant motivator for students was the opinion of other people. There was a moderate, positive correlation between the two variables namely extrinsic and intrinsic motivation [r=.345, n = 60, p <.0005]. This shows that the two types of motivations are not mutually exclusive but can co-exist as they did in our sample. Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations are crucial in the development of effective pedagogical practices.

scholarly journals Exploring Movies for Language Teaching and Learning at the Tertiary Level

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 271
Author(s):  
Norwati Roslim ◽  
Aini Faridah Azizul ◽  
Vahid Nimehchisalem ◽  
Muhammad Hakimi Tew Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Oral Skills ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Abstract: The increasing importance of using movies to enhance second language teaching and learning has been addressed by researchers and educators. A few scholarly studies have effortlessly put forward significant findings on using movies in the area of theoretical bases, pedagogical aspects and learners’ perspectives. However, more studies need to be explored further as proposed by many scholars in their suggested future research. Hence, this study aims to investigate perceptions and experiences among university undergraduate students in exploring English language movies of their own choice for their oral commentary presentations. A corpus of English movies selected by students was used to assist students in their presentations. A total of 77 university undergraduates took part in the study. The data was collected through an online survey which consisted of a three-section questionnaire: demographic profile, learners’ perceptions and learners’ experiences. The data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 20. The results revealed that using movies has helped students mainly, in improving their oral skills, vocabulary, interest and motivation as well as decreasing their anxiety and tension. This study adds to the body of knowledge and benefits educators and instructors on using movies for language teaching and learning.   Keywords: Experiences, Language Learning, Movies, Perceptions

scholarly journals MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO AUTONOMOUS LEARNING IN THE TRANSLATION STUDIES CLASSES

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-99
Author(s):  
Oleh Komar
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Translation ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Translation Studies ◽  
Autonomous Learning

The article presents a research of the peculiarities of motivating students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University to autonomous learning in the classes of translation studies. The aim of the article is to find out the factors that can be effective in motivating undergraduate students to study autonomously while learning translation studies. The paper indicates that the current problems for both students and teachers are lack of knowledge and motivation, low level of self-motivation and self-awareness, conservative approach to the conduction of the class.The following research questions were formulated in order to develop relevant methodology and expect trustworthy findings: What can motivate students for autonomous learning? How do students develop their autonomy in the translation studies class? Which translation studies activities and materials can influence students’ motivation for autonomous learning?The research methodology is based on descriptive qualitative and quantitative methods, the use of relevant data collection tools, in particular observation in the classroom, interviews and questionnaires and the subsequent intervention into educational process.The results of the intervention give indications that motivation may lead to autonomy. Lack of motivation was determined as an explanation for the lack of autonomous action, and it is the key conclusion from the experimental data.Consequently, there is a strong relationship between higher levels of motivation and greater engagement in inside and outside the class activities, and the suggestion that motivation (i.e. intrinsic motivation) leads to autonomy does find theoretical and experimental support. Keywords: motivation; intrinsic motivation; extrinsic motivation; autonomous learning; English language; translation studies; professional education; competence.

scholarly journals Role of Motivation in English Language Learning: A Real Challenge

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-229
Author(s):  
Dr. Mirza Sibtain Beg
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
External Pressures

One of the most important Laws of Learning is the Law of Readiness. It is a big challenge for the teachers to kindle a strong desire in pupils to learn English Language swiftly which is not their Native Language. Motivation plays a very important role in the process of learning a Language. Intrinsic Motivation is a kind of motivation that comes from inside. Extrinsic Motivation emanates from external pressures such as essential for job or any other obligation. The differential success of ESL learner proffers us to examine the strategies utilized by successful Language Learners. The teachers can help students improve their performance laying more focus on learning strategies which proved fruitful. Language teachers can effectively teach by virtue of developing interest in students for Language Learning. Passion is very key to Motivation. Passion establishes a link between intrinsic goals and aspirations. Successful Language Learning can be achieved by means of passion. The role of ELT teacher is to devise ways and means to connect to this Passion. Learners need quality instruction, feedback, interaction and chance to have progress and to maintain Motivation for Language Learning as well. A good instructor must utilize the sources of Intrinsic Motivation to establish a connection with Extrinsic factors that can be brought to a classroom setting. It is also very significant for instructors to identify student’s motives and needs etc and thereby evolving proper motivational strategies. Motivation may erode during designing a Language course. The Teachers have to bear in mind that Learners differ in interest expectations from one another.

British Council’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Students’ Manual: A Critical Analysis of the Coursebook Taught at Pakistani Universities for Academic Purposes (EAP) Students’ Manual: A Critical Analysis of the Coursebook Taught at Pakistani Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
English For Academic Purposes ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Teaching Principles

English for Academic Purposes course focusing on the academic language needs of students is a subfield of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). It is a type of specialized course to integrate specific subject matter, language content, and material based on learners’ needs. The study aims to evaluate the British Council’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) coursebook in terms of content, sequencing, learners’ autonomy, motivation, feedback and focus on language skills. Furthermore, the study tries to provide a general perception of the usefulness and effectiveness of the coursebook for undergraduate students. The EAP Students’ Manual coursebook is used as a primary source for the data collection. The researcher has chosen Nation & Macalister (2010) model of language teaching principles to analyze and discuss the data. The study found the coursebook a useful, effective and an appropriate source of English language learning in terms of the investigated aspects of the book. The findings report that the coursebook provides practice and practical usage in all domains of the academically required English language skills. It helps the students to build language competency and to be more independent learners. In addition, it provides an opportunity to the learners to think in the target language, use the language more practically and learn it in a natural type of environment. The study concludes and suggests that the content needs to be supplemented with English language audios and videos presenting the students relevant documentaries and helping material in order to make the coursebook and the learning process more useful, effective, interesting and motivating. Furthermore, the study recommends that while choosing /designing a coursebook for a certain course, it needs to be evaluated following the various criteria and language-teaching-principles suggested by different language researchers.

Needs Analysis and Teachers' Perceptions: A Study of the English Undergraduate Students

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Teaching Aids

Needs Analysis in the context of language-learning-teaching is an important process to design a certain course and syllabus. It helps course designers to set objectives, choose content, method of instruction, appropriate teaching aids, and classroom activities for different courses. This paper reports the perceptions of the researchers on the English language learning needs of the English undergraduate students of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Pakistan. The data is based on the researchers’ personal experience and first-hand observation of the population as the researchers have been teaching in the target context for about a decade. Furthermore, the researchers have always been in discussion with their students and colleagues about the target students’ English learning needs, preferred learning styles, motivation in learning English, interest, strengths/weaknesses, and attitude toward English learning in the target setting. Learners’ assignments, exam answer sheets, and presentations have also been used is a source of data collection. A needs analysis model proposed by Hutchinson and Waters (1987) has been applied in order to analyze the data. The results show that the students lack well grammatical sentences, have poor spellings, capitalization problems, limited vocabulary, unaware of collocations, poor/slow reading comprehension, and lack of effective presentation skills. Furthermore, most of the students have a lack of involvement in classroom activities and feel shy about speaking the English language. It was reported that the provision of authentic material, interesting activities, suitable audio-visual aids, relevant texts, language labs, and other logistic arrangements can better help them in learning the English language. The findings demonstrate that the students wished to have a learner-centered-course that helps them excel in their academic life and learning the English language.

British Council’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Students’ Manual: A Critical Analysis of the Coursebook Taught at Pakistani Universities

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
English For Academic Purposes ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Teaching Principles ◽  
Language Needs

English for Academic Purposes course focusing on the academic language needs of students is a subfield of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). It is a type of specialized course to integrate specific subject matter, language content, and material based on learners’ needs. The study aims to evaluate the British Council’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP) coursebook in terms of content, sequencing, learners’ autonomy, motivation, feedback and focus on language skills. Furthermore, the study tries to provide a general perception of the usefulness and effectiveness of the coursebook for undergraduate students. The EAP Students’ Manual coursebook is used as a primary source for the data collection. The researcher has chosen Nation & Macalister (2010) model of language teaching principles to analyze and discuss the data. The study found the coursebook a useful, effective and an appropriate source of English language learning in terms of the investigated aspects of the book. The findings report that the coursebook provides practice and practical usage in all domains of the academically required English language skills. It helps the students to build language competency and to be more independent learners. In addition, it provides an opportunity to the learners to think in the target language, use the language more practically and learn it in a natural type of environment. The study concludes and suggests that the content needs to be supplemented with English language audios and videos presenting the students relevant documentaries and helping material in order to make the coursebook and the learning process more useful, effective, interesting and motivating. Furthermore, the study recommends that while choosing /designing a coursebook for a certain course, it needs to be evaluated following the various criteria and language-teaching-principles suggested by different language researchers.

Examining the Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies among EFL Learners in Baghlan University of Afghanistan

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Social Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
New Words ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Vocabulary learning is one of the problems in language learning skills. Tackling such problems is to provide useful and effective strategies for enhancing students’ VLSs. Therefore, this study aims to survey vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) utilized among English as a Foreign Language learners (EFL) in Baghlan University of Afghanistan, and to study the high and least frequently used VLSs that contributes to the learners’ vocabulary knowledge. This study utilizes a descriptive quantitative research method with 67 EFL learners who participated in the survey questionnaire adopted from Oxford (1990) taxonomy of VLS from different faculties of Baghlan University. The findings indicated that EFL learners preferably utilize VLSs at a medium level, and the highly used vocabulary learning strategies are the social strategies through which they ask the native speakers, teachers, and classmates for the meanings of new words in English language conversation. Determination, cognitive, and memory strategies are respectively followed by the learners. Whereas, metacognitive strategies are the least used strategies among EFL learners, the reason is that they only focus on the materials related to examination; explore anything about the new words for learning, and rarely think of their improvement in vocabulary learning.

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