Impact of Student’s Motivation on Academic Success in English as a School Subject

Abstract

English has become the global language of science, technology, and communication, making proficiency in the language essential for academic and professional success. Language learning motivation plays a crucial role in enhancing students' fluency and overall competence. This study examines the level of English language learning motivation among secondary school students and its impact on their academic performance in English. A quantitative research approach was employed in the district of Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan, where 400 male students from public secondary schools were randomly selected as the sample. Data was collected using a self-developed, self-administered instrument designed to measure students’ motivation toward learning English. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between students’ motivation and their academic achievement in English (r = 0.716, p < 0.001), indicating that higher motivation levels significantly contribute to better performance. Additionally, the study found no statistically significant difference in motivation levels between urban and rural students (p > 0.05), suggesting that geographical location does not influence students’ willingness to learn English. The findings underscore the importance of fostering motivation in English language learning, as it plays a key role in developing students' communication, writing, listening, and speaking skills, along with enhancing critical thinking, confidence, and creativity.

This study highlights the need for educational institutions to implement strategies that enhance students’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, ensuring improved English proficiency and academic success. Future research could explore additional factors influencing language learning motivation and assess its long-term effects on students' linguistic and cognitive development.