Demotivating factors affecting first-year non-English major college students studying general English : a case of Chinese EFL context

Abstract

The existing body of research on L2 motivation suggests that learners’ language proficiency can be improved when they are motivated. The learning process can involve both motivating and demotivating factors, and it is essential to identify and minimise demotivating factors to keep learners motivated. To date, however, research has more often focused on L2 motivation rather than demotivation, especially on the mainland. Based on the work of Sakai and Kikuchi (2009), this study investigates the demotivating factors that affect non-English major college students learning General English in a Chinese EFL context. A demotivation questionnaire survey, which was adopted from the framework, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit perception data from 80 first-year EFL college learners. The results show that characteristics of classes (exam-oriented learning, grammar-focused and translation-focused classes) were the most influential demotivating factors before and after entering college, followed by lack of interest (2nd), failure in tests (3rd), content and materials (4th), class environment (ranked 5th before college and 6th after college), and teacher-owned factors (ranked 6th before college and 5th after college). One unanticipated result was that frequent teacher replacement was regarded as a demotivating factor before college entry by two participants in the interviews. Five factors did not show statistically significant differences, but one demotivating factor (class characteristics) did. The students' perceived re-motivation strategies, including teacher-related and learning materials, are then discussed. This study provides implications for stakeholders such as policy-makers in the education field, EFL teachers, parents, and EFL learners. All stakeholders are encouraged to take steps to diminish demotivating factors in second language learning to maintain learners' motivation.