A Study of Foreign Language Learning Motivation in Korean University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the university students' motivation for foreign language learning. The study was conducted in the English conversation and reading classes for one semester. The students were asked to fill out the foreign language learning motivation questionnaires at the end of the course. The questionnaires were two types of learners' motivation: integrative and instrumental motivation for learning English as a foreign language. The 107 students in different majors completed the questionnaires of 14 modified items. The results showed that most of Korean university learners have high degree of motivation and positive attitudes towards learning English. They rely on more instrumental motivation than integrative one. The results suggest that teachers should provide learners with various motivation strategies in English class. The learners should also be motivated in their foreign language class integratively as well as instrumentally.