The impact of motivation on pupil’s performance in the learning of English language, the case of Enyan-Maim circuit in Ajumako- Enyan–Essiam–district

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to describe motivation and performance of all Junior High School pupils of Enyan-maim circuit in English Language and establish the relationship between them. The descriptive survey design was adopted to study, describe and interpret the relationship between motivation and performance. School performance test from the end of term examination and motivation test were used to gather data for the survey from accessible population of all Junior High Three pupils in the circuit. Interview was also used to gather information from the parents of the respondents. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S.) software was used to analyze the data gathered to determine the correlation coefficient. Findings from the study indicated that pupils’ motivation level towards learning of English Language was high and more intrinsic than extrinsic. However, the boys are slightly more motivated than the girls. The boys also outperform their girls’ counterpart in the study of English Language. There was a moderate significant positive relationship between pupils’ motivation and performance in English Language. This implies that highly motivated pupils perform better than lowly motivated ones. It is recommended that teachers, parents, policy makers and guidance and counselling coordinators should ensure that pupils are provided with the necessary materials for their studies to help sustain and increase their motivation level for a better performance.