Effects of socioeconomic status and physical learning environment on motivation of university students

BEKTAŞ ÇETİNKAYA Y., Oruc N.

European Journal of Social Sciences, cilt.21, sa.1, ss.71-79, 2011 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2011
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Social Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Index Islamicus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.71-79
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Motivation, Physical environment, Private university, Public university, Socioeconomic class
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Among many factors affecting the motivation of students in language learning, socioeconomic status and physical learning environment have been chosen as the main variables of this study. These variables were studied in private and public university context considering the participants' different social class backgrounds and the quality of the learning environment in which 228 university student; 115 from public and 113 from private university, from different departments participated in the study. Using a 5-item Likert scale, the participants were asked about (i) the degree of their motivation (ii) reasons of language learning (iii) use of English. The quantitative data were supported with qualitative data through semi-structured focus group interviews. The results indicate that the private university students' motivational level is significantly higher than the public university students. Further analyses reveal that socioeconomic background and wellequipped classrooms and better physical conditions have a positive impact on private university students' motivation and language use.