The Relationship between Participation in Extracurricular Activities and Motivation of Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the link between foreign language learning motivation and English preparatory class students' participation in the extracurricular activities programmes. The differences between the motivation levels of the students based on their participation in the extracurricular activities are defined and students’ participation is also compared in terms of gender and education level. The study group consists of 340 students. The data were gathered by “Motivation Scale in English Language Learning”. Results indicated a significant difference between the students' motivation level towards English and participation in extracurricular activities in favour of the ones who attended these activities. It is also concluded that participation in extracurricular activities had a significantly positive impact on the students' attitude towards learning English. However, it was found out that there is not a significant relationship between the gender, education level and motivation level of the students participating in the extracurricular activities. The results have been discussed within the context of Socio-Educational Motivation Theory.