Cambodian students' motivation in the learning English language: A small-scale survey at a private high school in Phnom Penh

Abstract

English has become the world's language, and it has been used by many people in different countries as a means of international communication. Motivation to learn English has been seen as the most important factor contributing to the success of students' learning. The current study employed a quantitative design and was conducted to find out the motivation levels of students studying English as a foreign language at a private high school in Phnom Penh. 60 students participated in a survey after we sought agreement from school principals and teachers of English there. The findings show that the students in the studied context were more extrinsically motivated to learn English rather than intrinsically. The sum of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations also revealed students' moderate motivation to learn English. Due to the small scale of the survey study, a future study should be conducted with larger sample size and at other educational institutions across Cambodia. Qualitative and mixed-methods designs are also highly recommended.

Factors causing students’ challenges in learning English speaking skills: A review of empirical works

“…As generally known, the older someone the harder for him/her to acquire a (second/foreign) language the same as he/she acquires his/her mother tongue (Em & Mao, 2022). We assume that linguistic factors are the main problem because, at their ages, the students find it hard to accept English linguistics features because they do not acquire English naturally like children.…”

“…For improved learning, teachers should instill a good attitude toward the English language in their students' brains or work to motivate them. They also emphasized that a teacher's proficiency is a key component in learning challenges; if the teacher is unable to adequately communicate the material or base instruction on students' prior knowledge, students may experience difficulties learning the language (Em & Mao, 2022). Thus, they discovered that the classroom environment and teachers' instructional practices are the primary obstacles to English language learning.…”

Encouraging English Language Reading in Cambodia: a Case Study of Takeo Provincial Higher Educational Institutions

“…Another study, by Em et al [35], conducted a small-scale survey at a private high school in Phnom Penh, providing a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing motivation to learn English as a foreign language. The study discussed the global significance of English as an international language, its historical context in Cambodia, and its role in academic and professional domains.…”

Enhancing English language learning in Cambodia: Exploring scaffolding strategies in mixed-ability classes

“…Cambodia has undergone massive political and economic turmoil in recent years, and people have suffered greatly (Em & Mao, 2022). While recovering from the tragic past, the government and people of Cambodia have chosen English as a significant foreign language to communicate and do business with people across borders.…”