Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors

Xinchen Pan

doi:10.47297/wspiedWSP2516-250031.20261004

PDF
Export
Share
Collection
Album

Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors

Volume 10, Issue 4

Views: 0 Downloads: 0

Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors
Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors
Xiamen Music School, Xiamen, Fujian, 361000, China
Vol. 10, Issue 4, Pages: 144-147(2026)
Published：30 April 2026
DOI：10.47297/wspiedWSP2516-250031.20261004
Accepted：

Scan QR Code

Pan Xinchen.Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors[J].Journal of International Education and Development,2026,10(04):144-147.
DOI：

Pan Xinchen.Demotivating Factor and Solution in Learning Motivation: A Case Study of English Majors[J].Journal of International Education and Development,2026,10(04):144-147. DOI： 10.47297/wspiedWSP2516-250031.20261004.

摘要

Abstract

Understanding the learning motivation of English majors at the university level is crucial for creating a conducive and engaging academic environment. This study investigates the factors affecting the initial motivation of English majors and examines the reasons for students' demotivation

with data collected through semi-structured interviews involving 24 willing participants at Macau University of Science and Technology. These students entered college with initial motivation but experienced a decline in their motivation levels due to various demotivating factors encountered during their academic journey. This study draws on the theoretical framework of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to shed light on the intricate interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and how they influence students' perceptions of their ideal selves in relation to their English language proficiency. Result findings reveal a range of demotivating factors that impact the students

such as challenges in lecture quality

teaching facilities

personal experiences

negative attitudes

coercion

peer dynamics

distractions

future prospects

and teaching materials.

关键词

Keywords

references

Sharma D. , & Sharma S . ( 2018 ). Relationship between motivation and academic achievement . International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research , 4 ( 1 ): 1 - 5 .

Li C . ( 2023 ). Exploring L2 motivational dynamics among Chinese EAP learners in an EMI context from a socio-cultural perspective . Sage Open , 13 ( 2 ): 215 .

Deci E. L. , & Ryan R . M . ( 1985 ). The general causality orientations scale: Self-determination in personality. Journal of Research in Personality , 19 ( 2 ): 109 - 134 .

Deci E. L. , & Ryan R . M . ( 2000 ). The" what" and" why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry , 11 ( 4 ), 227 - 268 .

Pae T . I . ( 2008 ). Second language orientation and self-determination theory: A structural analysis of the factors affecting second language achievement. Journal of language and social psychology , 27 ( 1 ): 5 - 27 .

Anwar C. , & Nugroho K . Y . ( 2018 ). Students motivations toward choosing English education. Indonesian EFL Journal , 4 ( 1 ): 57 - 64 .

Dörnyei Z. , & Schmidt R . ( 2001 ). Motivation and second language acquisition (Vol. 23) . Natl Foreign Lg Resource Ctr .

Dörnyei Z . ( 2009 ). The L2 motivational self system. Motivation, Language Identity and the L2 Self , 36 ( 3 ): 9 - 11 .

Liu K . ( 2019 ). Female audiences' interpretation on media programs——A research based on sherlock. International Seminar on Education, Management and Social Sciences . Atlantis Press , 19 ( 3 ), 570 - 574 .

Csizér K. , & Dörnyei Z . ( 2005 ). Language learners' motivational profiles and their motivated learning behavior . Language Learning , 55 ( 4 ), 613 - 659 .

Nowell L. S. , Norris J. M. , White D. E. , & Moules N . J . ( 2017 ). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International journal of qualitative methods , 16 ( 1 ), 16 - 45 .