Non-English Majors Students’ Motivational Orientation and Problems They Perceived in Learning Oral English Skills

Abstract

This study investigated the motivation and motivational orientations along with the most prominent problems the students of non-English majors (SNEM) encounter in learning oral English skills (OES). To this end, a mixed method design was applied in this study by using a questionnaire to elicit quantitative data and a stimulated recall to generate qualitative data. The questionnaire was administered to 942 students, among whom 128 participated in a stimulated recall. This study took place at Universitas Dayanu Ikhsanuddin, Indonesia, during the academic year 2020/2021. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively using the Microsoft Excel Program, and the participants' responses to stimulated recall were qualitatively analyzed by hand as prescribed by some experts. The findings revealed that SNEM are interested in learning OES, and their motivational orientation is employment. The students believe that OES: (1) will help them to get a good job; ( 2) is important for their future job; and ( 3) is beneficial for their future career. The three most significant issues that the SNEM face while learning OES are (1) insufficient class time, (2) a lack of opportunities to use English, and (3) a large class size. The findings are discussed, and some implications are provided.