AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ENGLISH LEARNING MOTIVATION AND STRATEGIES OF EFL STUDENTS AT A CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTER IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

Authors

  • Le Thi Ngoc Hang Long My Continuing Education Center, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam
  • Thai Cong Dan Senior Lecturer, Dr., School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam
  • Thai Phan Bao Han Faculty of Social Sciences, Can Tho University of Technology, Can Tho City, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejae.v10i1.5840

Keywords:

language learning motivation, learning strategies, EFL students, motivation-strategy correlation, continuing education center

Abstract

Numerous studies have highlighted the strong connection between language learning motivation and the use of learning strategies (e.g., Oxford, 1989; Chamot et al., 1999). This study investigates the level of motivation among students at Long My Continuing Education Center in Hau Giang Province, in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, in learning English, as well as the strategies they employ. Also, it explores the correlation between their motivation and strategy use. Using a descriptive research approach, the study surveyed 70 of 10th-Grade students from the Center. Data were collected through a Motivation questionnaire (adapted from Schmidt et al., 1996) and a Strategy Use questionnaire (adapted from Oxford, 1990). The results indicated that the students’ motivation was generally high, with extrinsic motivation significantly surpassing intrinsic motivation, which remained at an average level. Regarding strategy use, students applied learning strategies at an average level. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between their motivation and the strategies they used. Based on these findings, the study offers several practical recommendations aimed at enhancing both students' motivation and strategy use, ultimately improving their English language learning outcomes.

 

Author Biographies

  • Le Thi Ngoc Hang, Long My Continuing Education Center, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam

    Ms. Le Thi Ngoc Hang, an English instructor, has held her MA in TESOL program from Can Tho University for ten years. Her main research interests are TEF/TESOL teaching and learning at any level, linguistics, ESP for adults, Intercultural Communication (ICC), and professional development. She can be reached at ngochang173@gmail.com.

  • Thai Cong Dan, Senior Lecturer, Dr., School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Can Tho City, Vietnam

    Mr. Thai Cong Dan, is currently senior lecturer of English, School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University (CTU), Vietnam, -cum-a project manager. He has held his PhD at Naresuan University, Thailand since 2010 in Educational Administration (English program). He got his MA in Cultural Aspects and Literature from the University of Notre Dame du Lac (ND), Indiana, USA in 1999. His main research interests are TEF/TESOL issues, intercultural communication, high school and higher education levels in English learning and teaching, English program management, curriculum design, testing and evaluation, ESP for Tourism and Hospitality, Political Education, Food Technology, professional development, and educational administration. He can be reached at tcdan@ctu.edu.vn.

  • Thai Phan Bao Han, Faculty of Social Sciences, Can Tho University of Technology, Can Tho City, Vietnam

    Miss Thai Phan Bao Han is presently an English lecturer at Can Tho University of Technology (CTUT). She earned her MA in TESOL in 2022 from Can Tho University, Vietnam. Her main research interests are TEF/TESOL teaching and learning at any level, linguistics, ESP for Technology and Engineering, Intercultural Communication (ICC), testing design, and professional development. She can be contacted at tpbhan@ctuet.edu.vn.

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Published

2025-02-26

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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

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