The impact of motivation and inhibition on students’ academic English development in the higher education in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of motivation and inhibition on students’ academic English development in the higher education in Bangladesh. Motivation plays an important role in English language achievement. Along with motivation there are other factors such as peer support, a convenient learning environment and inspiring teachers encourage students to develop their academic Engish skills. On the other hand, there are some affective factors including fear of making mistakes, anxiety, low self-efficacy, shyness and lack of confidance stand against students’ English development and performance in highr education. This study explored various factors that influence or inhibit students’ academic English achievement and performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for this study. Quantitative data were collected through a survey and analysed using descriptive statistics. On the other hand, qualitative data for this study were collected through interviews and then coded and analysed for a deeper understanding of the phenomena. The study helps us to identify the problems associated with student’s low proficiency in English and how this is affected students’ performance in higher education. It can tell us how the students can be motivated in different ways with an aim to improve students’ academic English. It will also help teachers to understand motivation and to teach in a way that encourage students to develop their academic English.