LEARNING MOTIVATION IN ENGLISH TOURISM EDUCATION

ABSTRACT : This study investigates the motivation of learning students and English teaching techniques at Tourism Education in Ponggok Village, Klaten. The study used a descriptive qualitative methodology through conducting classroom observations, student interviews and Google Form questionnaires to 10 students of an English for Tourism course. Classroom observations centred on the extent of students’ involvement, confidence, acquisition of vocabulary and response to communicative activities. Interviews and questionnaires were used to investigate students’ motivation, learning encounter and attitude towards the teaching methodology. The results indicate that students showed high levels of extrinsic motivation, mainly career aspirations in the tourism field and a desire to communicate with foreign tourists. The results also pointed out weak vocabulary mastery, speaking confidence and involvement in communicative activities such as role-play. Although communicative teaching methods were implemented, students still relied heavily on written support and required more exposure to authentic speaking practice. In conclusion, it can be inferred that even though the students are motivated to learn English, they require more task-based and practice based techniques to improve their communication skills and enhance their confidence while in real tourism context.

KEYWORDS: learning motivation, English education, tourism, learning motivation, English for tourism