Impact of Students’ Motivation for Learning English on their Achievement at Secondary Level

Abstract

Motivation is one of the important factors that play vital role in learning English at all levels. This study aimed at investigating students? motivation for learning English at secondary schools and identifying factors that demotivated them. The students? motivation was also compared in terms of gender, locality, class and institution type. The data was collected through a questionnaire (36 statements) from 620 students of government and private secondary schools located in two districts of southern Punjab. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the collected data. The results showed moderate level of students? motivation for learning English. Statistically significant difference was found in motivation of male and female students, urban and rural students, and government and private school students. Majority of students scored marks in the range of 60 to 70% in English subject. There was positive impact of students? motivation on their achievement scores in English. Lack of confidence, problem in speaking English and poor grammar knowledge were major factors that demotivated students in learning English. In the light of findings, it was recommended that grammar should be taught inductively, students should be given substantial practice in listening and speaking, and teachers may employ different motivational strategies to increase students? interest in learning English language at schools.