The Effect of Family Income on Parents' Motivation to Support Children’s English Learning at Primary Level

Abstract

English has been highly valued as one of the major subjects in Chinese College Entrance Examinations. And with globalization, acquiring skills to use English has become a common goal for most families. Existing studies have revealed the effects of family income on students' academic performance including on English language learning outcomes, but there has not been sufficient research on the effects of family income on English language learning motivation of elementary school students. This study investigates motivation of parents to support their children's English learning and the effects of family factors on elementary school students' English learning. We find that there is a strong correlation between family economic status and elementary school students' parents' motivation to support their children's English learning. We therefore recommend three strategies for English reaching to increase students' motivation for English learning: 1) determine learning goals and reshape students' motivation to learn English 2) increase the variables of classroom teaching 3) Stimulate interest in learning and encourage the "spirit of adventure".