Motivation in School : A Study of Female and Male Students’ Motivation Towards the English Subject

Abstract: This essay aims to examine students’ motivation towards the English subject in the upper secondary school and find out the difference between male and female students’ motivation in relation to different motivational factors. The study is based on a mixed – method approach and a questionnaire was used as an instrument in order to collect the data. There were 64 students included in this study, 35 males and 29 females. All participants study different programs, but are currently studying English level 5-6. According to the results, the most important motivational factor is the teacher’s support as well as the relationship with the teacher. Their own achievement in school and receiving good grades are also important motivational factors. The females are more motivated to study the English language while the males have more general motivation in school. There were some factors that caused lack of motivation, and the majority of the students agreed that difficulty, importance and interest affect their motivation.