Motivation of college students of non-linguistic specialties to study a foreign language

Abstract

The article analyzes the motivation of non-linguistic vocational students to learn English and shows that the main factors influencing motivation are external (passing exams, social approval) and internal (interest in language, desire for self-development).

The aim was to identify the main motives and factors influencing the motivation of students of secondary vocational education (SPE) of non-linguistic specialties to learn English. The methodological basis of the research is a system-activity approach. The study used methods of complex analysis, including a written survey, Likert scales: self-efficacy and interest. The survey was conducted among 120 first-year students of non-linguistic specialties of the Open Tauride College, Simferopol, Republic of Crimea. The study revealed the main motives of the students: passing the test, finding a prestigious job, understanding scientific and technical texts, completing academic assignments, interest in learning foreign languages and information exchange. The main factors that reduce motivation were also identified: lack of connection between educational material and professional activity, low level of practical orientation of learning, lack of interaction with native speakers, low self-esteem and fear of mistakes, insufficient use of innovative pedagogical technologies. The results of the study are important both for the theoretical understanding of motivational