An investigation on the importance of motivation in influencing students’ performance in the second language: a case study among the Malay students of S.K. Rantau Panjang, Batu Kawa, Kuching / Hanifah Litu

This study intends to gain better understanding and insights into the importance of motivation in influencing students’ performance in the learning of the second language. The investigation was carried out with special reference to the Malay students of S. K. Rantau Panjang who were represented by 20 respondents whose performance in English was quite low despite very good achievement (Grade A) in the other major subjects. For the collection of data, a set of questionnaire and pre- structured interviewed questions were used to assess respondents’ perception on elements that contribute to the importance of motivation in the learning of the second language. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program and the findings from the interviews were discussed in descriptive form. The findings showed that motivation is very essential in the learning ofthe second language. Various strategies such as giving rewards, the used of interesting approaches and aid, having lots of reading materials, cooperative learning and so forth as motivational drive are recommended. From the study it was found that motivation is vital in influencing the students’ performance among the Malay students of S. K. Rantau Panjang was
achieved