ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
This study examines the attitudes and motivation of students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) undergraduate programs at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) towards learning English. Recognizing the pivotal role of English in enhancing employability, especially in global markets, the research investigates the factors influencing students' engagement with the language. Utilizing Gardner's (1985) Attitude and Motivation Test Battery (AMTB), data were collected from 46 UTeM students across various faculties. The findings reveal that while students generally exhibit positive attitudes towards learning English, particularly in practical settings, there is variability in how they perceive the role of personal effort versus innate ability in language acquisition. Motivation is driven primarily by career-oriented goals, with strong agreement on the necessity of English for professional advancement and academic success. These insights suggest the need for more engaging and relevant teaching methods that align with students' motivations, ultimately helping them overcome challenges in English proficiency and better preparing them for the workforce.
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