The Correlation Between Motivation in Learning English and General English Competence

Abstract

Motivation in learning English is a key factor that has been proven to have a significant correlation with language competence. This study addresses a research gap by examining the relationship between motivation and general English competence specifically within the context of Islamic boarding schools. The purpose of this research was to examine the correlation between students' motivation for learning English and their general English competence. This quantitative study used a correlational design, involving 98 high school students from grades 10 and 11, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on the English Learning Motivation Scale (ELMS) and students' second-semester academic report scores. The data analysis, conducted using SPSS, revealed a Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.044 with a Sig. value of 0.668. Since the Sig. value is greater than 0.05, the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was rejected and the null hypothesis (H0) was accepted. These findings suggest that in this specific setting, factors such as a conducive learning environment, qualified teachers, and adequate learning materials may play a more dominant role in maintaining high English competence, regardless of students' individual motivation levels.