ESL Learning Motivation: What the Students Have to Say

Abstract

The present study investigates students’ perception on their motivation in ESL classroom, who are enrolled in advanced ESL writing course. By adopting qualitative approach, this study analyzed participants’ freewritings about times when they are motivated in ESL class. The results revealed that fun activities and teachers are most important factors in their motivation. Also, it seemed that students tend to be motivated when they communicate their peers and when they have higher proficiency level than their peers. Finally, it showed that students seemed motivated when they feel the significance of the language as an international language as well as when they perceive it important in relation to their future career.