I have gradually changed my mind, a dedication and effort to learn and all resources they put to their studies changed my mind. Who are they whom I mentioned? They refer to all of my post graduate students from all programs that I have taught since 2013. They are generally not very good in English. Most of them have not used English much in their work. Most of them are teachers from schools. I also teach undergraduate program. Absolutely different, i mean to say their behaviors in learning are different. Should we claim the positive changes in post graduate deriving from maturity, working experience and some kinds of motivation? Gardner's study (1985) found integrative (attitude related) and instrumental (rewarding or promotion related) motivation influenced language learners. I assumed the post graduates mostly belong to the instrumental motivation. They take their Master program because it is required by their workplace or to earn promotion. However I would like to describe the motivation of learning English of my last class of this year differently to what I assumed. They learned joyfully. They did not beg me to finish class early. They made effort to do what I assigned (e.g. news reading activity. They achieved their exam better that I expected...meaning high scores and not many failed. I still remembered how they looked at me in class, it was not empty sign in their eyes. Many times, I believe, the integrative motivation plays greater role in their learning. It means they want to learn and practice their English skills to become better.
Frankly speaking I could not do like them. They work hard on weekdays and travelled from different provinces to study their Master program on weekend. After class some students called to talk with their families, their young kids. A great deal of sacrifice they have given to their studies, I would say. They deserve admiration and fruitful return at the end of their tunnel. I hope they could continue to successfully finish their studies and their career, I truly wish for them. Thank you all my good students. Love you.
Garder, R. C. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: the Role of Attitudes and Motivation. London: Edward Arnold.
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