Analysis of Motivational Factors Affecting English Communicative Competence in Higher Education Students From A Colombian University

Abstract

The purpose of this research work was to characterize the motivational factors influencing English Communicative Competence in higher education students from a BA program on Education with emphasis on Foreign Languages. Based on the need of studying the different types of motivation students presented at various levels of English as a Foreign Language, the study was carried out in students from A- to C levels. The research had a quantitative approach under a non-experimental transactional design, as the main instrument was the ELOS by Thu Huong Ngo (2015) questionnaire to measure motivation levels, language learning orientation scale and intensity motivation scale. The analysis was made through the interpretation of measures of tendency and the results of the English diagnostic tests in SPSS statistics software. The results demonstrated the population was highly motivated 5.9 average, 1.0 standard deviation by intrinsic means. Also, the population presented 5.9 average in intrinsic motivation aspects such as knowledge whereas achievement presented an average score of 5.3. Finally, the results evidenced there is no direct relationship nor significant differences between motivation in proficient and non-proficient English levels.