The Intrinsic Motivation of Students Studying English in India

Adrian LEIS, Maneesh MUNDOTIA

Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2025, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1) : 23-46.

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Asian Journal of English Language Teaching ›› 2025, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (1) : 23-46.

The Intrinsic Motivation of Students Studying English in India

  • Adrian LEIS1, Maneesh MUNDOTIA2
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Abstract

This paper outlines a research study conducted in Indian schools, focusing on the motivation of students to learn English and the teachers' predictions regarding their students' motivation. The study applied the self-determination theory to the Indian context. A total of 36 teachers and 379 students participated in this mixed-method study by completing questionnaires--including both closed-ended and one open-ended item--exploring intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. The findings revealed that the teachers were able to accurately predict students' responses regarding intrinsic motivation and identified regulation. In terms of what was enjoyable for students in their English language classes (i.e., intrinsic motivation), both the teachers and students identified discussion/interaction, fiction/stories, and vocabulary learning as the top three items. Reasons for the findings and pedagogical implications will be discussed.

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Adrian LEIS, Maneesh MUNDOTIA. The Intrinsic Motivation of Students Studying English in India[J]. Asian Journal of English Language Teaching. 2025, 34(1): 23-46

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