Investigation of English Oral Skills and Learning Motivation in Rwanda Polytechnic Colleges: The Case of IPRC Ngoma

Abstract

English language has become a language of instruction in Rwanda over the last few decades, and students and graduates are supposed to be fluent in it at the moment. However, the literature indicate that employers are not satisfied with the level of English oral skills of graduates from IPRCs in the job. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the students’ level in English oral skills and what motivates them to learn English language. Using an explanatory mixed methods design, quantitative and qualitative data were collected data by means of questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered to three (3) English lecturers of English language and sixty (60) students from different departments in IPRC Ngoma.
 The findings indicate that the students’ level in English oral skills is good. It was also found that students are extrinsically motivated to learn English language and the reasons for their motivation are associated with instrumental reasons where English would help them in their future career of learning and integrative benefits where English will help them exchange information with people from different parts of the world.