Reading Motivation to Promote Students’ Reading Comprehension: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students at the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear

Abstract

Through a survey study at the National University of Cheasim Kamchaymear, this thesis investigates the motivation of Cambodian students to read English. Employing a quantitative approach, the research aimed to assess the factors of motivation that promote students’ reading comprehension, the way that those factors of motivation promote students’ reading comprehension, identifying variations in intrinsic and extrinsic motivation between male and female students, and the relationship between English reading motivation and reading comprehension among students. The study involved 152 participants, revealing that students exhibited a high level of motivation to read English. However, findings indicated that the students had high motivation toward Reading Comprehension. This study also reveals that both intrinsic enjoyment of reading and external support (from teachers, parents, and peers) plays a crucial role in enhancing students' reading comprehension. The analysis shows no significant variation in motivation or reading comprehension across age groups, suggesting that age is not a key factor in influencing these aspects. These results underscore the importance of understanding both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, as they are crucial for students’ success in reading English. The study highlights the need for a balanced approach that interrelates both types of motivation to enhance the reading experience. To build upon this research, future studies are recommended to involve larger sample sizes and include other educational institutions across Cambodia, employing diverse statistical analyses. Additionally, qualitative and mixed-methods designs are suggested to provide a more comprehensive understanding of student motivation in English language learning.