A Comparison between Highly Motivated Learners and Unmotivated Learners’ Learning Achievement: A Case Study of Business English Majors at Southeast Bangkok College

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) analyze some crucial factors that impacted learners’ achievement and failure in English language learning among 2^nd year Business English majors at the faculty of Liberal Arts, Southeast Bangkok College, and 2) improve the quality of teaching and learning English  for Thai students. The samples consisted of 16 English students aged between 19-21.There were 15 Thais and 1 Filipino. The research methodology comprised both descriptive analysis, and basic statistics. Data for analysis included students’ journal writing after class, their participation and engagement in class activities, final grades, and the questionnaire.  The findings revealed that their age did not make any significant learning outcomes, but their attitudes ,and motivation mattered. It was found that cognitive learning strategies, self-disciplines, positive attitudes and  self-confidence  were important factors among high achievers amounted to 12.50%,which was contrary to poorly achieved learners with low self-esteem amounted to 50% of the class. The results confirm Dornyei’s claim(1998) that motivation is a key factor that influences the rate of success of second/foreign language (L2)learning.