Some motivational factors on learning the French language in the university context

Abstract

This research article discusses the perceptions of a group of university students about certain motivational factors which influence their learning of the French language. For that purpose, we drafted a questionnaire of their opinions, which was filled in by 315 students. The data were analyzed quantitatively and showed that many of the students like French, and study it in order to travel abroad and broaden their job opportunities. They acknowledge that their professor is not at the center of the learning process. Nevertheless, they believe that their teacher should make a stronger effort to motivate them. For some, the attitude and behavior of their classmates and the poor grades they obtain in their examinations affect their learning of French. This study concludes that French teachers should come up with strategies to strengthen the motivation of their students, help them to learn in a more profound and autonomous way and make their students more aware of the learning techniques which are most suitable for them.