English language students and their motivation to learn the language

Abstract

Abstract:This research is based on the motivation students feel at the moment of learning English in Ecuadorian schools. The purpose is to learn about the perception of students regarding their motivation to learn English in the classroom.To carry out this investigation, two private schools in Manta city were selected. Five courses were chosen among the two schools, and twenty students from each of the courses were asked to answer a questionnaire.The methods used in this research were quantitative and qualitative. For the quantitative data analysis, the questionnaires were tabulated and presented in statistic graphs; then a qualitative analysis was carried out based on the reasons and answers given by students and the notes taken from the observation sheets; finally the analysis of the results were linked with the information in the literature review.The most important conclusion of this research is that the teachers attitude and activities carried out in class, is the most defining factor that motivates or hinders student s English learning.