Motivational factors of Hong Kong vocational students in learning English language

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2011

Abstract

Motivation determines the extent of active and personal involvement in learning a second/ foreign language (L2) at different stages. This paper briefly discusses motivation theories in relation to L2 learning; and presents the motivational factors in the English language learning, of 10 participants and what causes them to like or dislike learning the English language. The findings show that participants have strong instrumental motivations and they regarded English as a functional language which was tied up with their careers. In addition, participants’ motivational factors involved in learning the English language was found to be influenced and encouraged by many factors, namely: influences of significant others on motivation; educational influences on motivation; and self-achievement and self-esteem. The most important agent is, in fact, the students’ own ability of learning. To succeed, students need to learn to maintain interest, set goals, exercise self-efficacy and manage their own learning responsibilities. The role of others, like teachers is to present a quality and strategic instruction which can encourage the less motivated students to improve their English learning behavior; and promote an active learning environment.

Source Publication

The 4th Hong Kong Association for Applied Linguistics Conference, 2011 Jun 25, Hong Kong

First Page

50

Last Page

50

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