English language learners' perceptions of motivational changes

Abstract

This study explores the changes in Taiwanese university students' English-learning motivation and the causes of these changes. The emphasis herein is on a comparison and contrast of both English major and non-major students in three different universities in Taiwan. In the study, a qualitative approach (20 semi-structured interviews) was used. The results show that the majority (19 out of 20) of the university students in this study have experienced motivational changes in their English-learning process. The factors which changed both English major and non-major students' English-learning motivation share similarities in many ways. In other words, students' majors do not affect the changes in their motivation with respect to their English classroom experience. As pointed out by the university students in this study, influences such as teachers, external pressure, exams, group dynamics and social experiences, were responsible for the changes. This paper will consider possible implications of this insight for English language teaching professionals.