Arab Educational Information Network

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of “the learning content” on “students’ motivation” in learning English as a foreign language. A mixed-method design was employed in this study to explore the correlation between the two variables from the perspective of teachers and students. The sample included three secondary public schools in the region of Mount Lebanon. Six classes were examined in each school. Qualitative data was obtained from the interview answers of 18 grade eleven English teachers and 18 one-session class observations in the three schools. Quantitative data was obtained from questionnaires of 355 grade eleven students in the three schools. Interviews and observations’ content analysis indicated that students show a high level of motivation when they perceive the content as interesting, relevant, and beneficial. Surveys’ SPSS analysis revealed the existence of a strong positive significant correlation between the learning content and students’ motivation. The study investigates the effect of one of the repeatedly mentioned factors of students’ motivation and demotivation in learning English as a foreign language “the learning content”. It is recommended for teachers and educators to adjust the learning content according to students’ needs and interests in order to create chances of success and achievement for students, build students’ competence, relate students to their society, and allow technology integration. (Published abstract)