Analysis of the motivational and attitudinal profile about language learning by students in Higher Education: application of the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB)

Abstract

This article presents the outcome of an investigation on the motivation, attitude and interest of the university students towards language learning. A descriptive survey has been carried out through a cluster-type probability sampling. The sample is integrated of 689 students in the Degrees of Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Computer Engineering and Medicine at the University of Seville, which covers the 48% of the enrolled students in 2nd year for the 2019/20 course. A descriptive data analysis of percentages, means and standard deviations, Kruskall-Wallis tests and Pearson correlations has been carried out. The results state, in consistence with previous works, the fact the students approach language learning with a high attitude and motivation. However, differences are noted depending on the degree, their professional future and the need to master a language. One of the most relevant conclusions of this study is that students of Educational Sciences have a less motivated profile than students of Medicine and Computer Engineering, standing out this last mentioned degree above the others. In addition, students are generally aware that they are learning other languages due to academic-professional reasons, but not for the purpose of globalization.