International Journal of Educational Research and Development Vol. 3(1), pp. 006-022, January 2014 ISSN 2327-316X ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The effects of motivational factors on Japanese learners of English

Matthew Rooks

Kobe University, Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan. E-mail: rooks@maritime.kobe-u.ac.jp. Tel/Fax: +81-78-431-6319.

Accepted 18 December, 2013

Abstract

This paper presents a synopsis of the Japanese educational system and the inherent effects it has on Japanese learners of English as a necessary background for understanding how these learners have been conditioned as they enter their university studies. By replicating a study first performed by Sugita in 2008 on the effects of academic events on the motivations of secondary school “English as a Foreign Language” (EFL) students, this study seeks to shed light on whether or not similar effects can be found in university EFL students. Journal surveys were utilized to collect data concerning students recorded internal and external influences in regards to their English studies. The results showed marked differences between Sugita’s secondary students and the university students from this study, namely in the levels of intrinsic motivations with regards to their English study, a reduced role of tests and other academic events as motivators for studying, and an overall lower level of motivational strength regarding English learning despite reporting a similar amount of study time per week as Sugita’s secondary students.

Key words: Motivation, entrance examinations, Japan, autonomous learning.