Motivation Orientation Used by Taiwanese Applied English Majors in the English Journalism Course

Abstract

This research emphasized finding the motivation orientation Taiwanese Applied English majors used in an elective course named ”English Journalism.” The researcher used the sequential embedded mixed method approach to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative findings indicated that a positive correlation existed between Applied English majors' intrinsic goal orientation and extrinsic goal orientation. In addition, the length of time studying English was proven a factor influencing students' motivation orientation. How ever, the findings showed there was no significant difference between males' and females' use of motivation orientation in the course. The qualitative findings showed that most interviewees used intrinsic motivation in this course, especially low-achieving students. Most of the interviewees thought the course materials could help them improve their English competency. The findings also showed that identified high-achieving students used more extrinsic goal orientation and task value than identified low-achieving students did.