Cambodian Students’ Motivation to Learn English: A Survey Study at Angkor Lower-Secondary School

Abstract

Through a survey study at Angkor Lower Secondary School, this thesis investigates the motivation of Cambodian students to learn English. Employing a quantitative approach, the research aimed to assess the overall motivation levels of students, determine the predominance of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, and explore any statistically significant differences in motivation between male and female students. The study involved 200 participants, revealing that students exhibited a high level of motivation to learn English. However, findings indicated that extrinsic motivation outweighed intrinsic motivation, with female students demonstrating significantly higher levels of extrinsic motivation compared to their male counterparts. These results underscore the importance of understanding both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors, as they are crucial for students’ success in learning English. The study highlights the need for a balanced approach that interrelates both types of motivation to enhance the learning 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.