Factors affecting Non-English Majored Students’ Motivation in Learning EFL at Tertiary Level

Abstract

Motivation is an important factor that contributes to the success of a foreign language learner. People with high motivation have trend to achieve their needs and wants. Understanding students’ motivation in learning English is necessary for EFL teachers. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the extent to which non-English majored students at Da Lat University (DLU) are motivated and factors that affect their motivation in learning EFL. A mixed methods design was employed in the study. 150 students majoring in business administration, economics, and tourism, and 5 English teachers participated in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from the questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that the students’ integrative motivation, instrumental motivation and social motivation were at a great level. Moreover, the findings indicated eight factors affecting their motivation in learning EFL, including students-related factors, parent-related factors, peer-related factors, teacher personality-related factors, teacher performance-related factors, teacher feedback-related factors, classroom-related factors, and textbook-related factors. Most of the students agreed that their motivation in learning EFLwas affected by these factors. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for teachers, students and researchers are included.