The Impact of Online Learning amid COVID-19 Pandemic on Student Intrinsic Motivation and English Language Improvement

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the impact of fully online learning during COVID-19 on Saudi EFL learners' intrinsic motivation and their English language improvement. It recruited 89 male and female EFL undergraduates who studied English courses at the university in the actual classroom before the pandemic and online during its outbreak. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on intrinsic motivation and English language improvement. Both the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were checked. The findings showed that the majority of the participants were highly motivated to study English online during the health crisis in question. They also reported a surge of English improvement and received the expected GPA or higher than the expected level. The finding also showed that there was a correlation between low achievement levels and non-intrinsic motivation. The study recommended using fully online learning in the future to increase EFL students' intrinsic motivation and English language improvement.