MOTIVASI PELAJAR SEKOLAH MENENGAH MALAYSIA CETUSAN DARI LAWATAN KE SEKOLAH MENENGAH JEPUN MALAYSIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION GAINED FROM JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL VISIT

Abstract

Motivation is an important factor that drives the internal emotions of an individual to strive for certain wants or goals. This study is about the motivation of 10 high school students in learning the Japanese language gained from Japanese high school visits. This could be seen through a comparison of their motivational factors and motivation levels in studying Japanese before and after the school visit. The two objectives of this study are: (i) to identify the factors of students’ motivation in learning Japanese before and after the visit, and (ii) to measure the levels of students’ motivation in learning Japanese before and after the visit. From the findings, the respondents’ motivational factors in studying Japanese before and after the school visit are identified. It shows that motivational factors after the visit are more clear and focus. The results also revealed that the motivation level of all respondents has increased after the visit. Overall, the study shows that a visit to a Japanese high school has given respondents new experience and knowledge that opened their eyes and mind towards the benefits of learning the Japanese language. This has developed a positive impact and high motivation inside respondents’ ourselves. They become more enthusiastic to study Japanese, as well as to explore the culture. Half of five of the 10 respondents became interested to further their study in Japan upon finishing high school.