Discerning the main motivation in second of baccalaureate English lessons

Abstract

Motivation is becoming a progressively far-reaching field in applied linguistics regarding to foreign language learning, since it is considered one of the individual variables which affects learners when learning a foreign language. Gardner (1985:10) referred to motivation as “the combination of effort plus desire to achieve the goal of learning the language plus favourable attitudes toward learning the language”. Although many factors affect foreign language learning, motivation is one of the most studied variables in order to improve foreign language learning. This study aims to examine the dominant motivation between students of English, as well as to know what the main motivation for them is when they are studying English. Furthermore, this work intends to answer the following research questions: (1) What is the main motivations of English students in baccalaureate? and (2) Will they continue studying English once it is not compulsory? A total of 58 high school students were chosen as participants of the study from two different high schools. In order to analyse the aforementioned research questions, a yes-no questionnaire which focused on students’ motivation, as well as a final open question, were used. As a result, it was found that the main motivation, learners had, was an Extrinsic Motivation (EM). About the open question, a few students also reported that they were not going to continue studying English after finishing baccalaureate, since they think it was not necessary for their future degrees or jobs. Finally, the findings suggest that ensuring a better job position was the main point of motivation for English students.