Abstract
Motivation has long been identified as one of the main factors affecting English language
learning (Gardner, 1985). This study examined the type and level of English language
learning motivation ( instrumental or integrative) of 30 first-year undergraduate students at
an international institute of engineering and technology in Thailand. A modified
motivational survey of 20 items adapted from Gardner’s Attitude/ Motivation Test Battery
(AMTB) was conducted. The data were analyzed by means of frequency, percentage,
arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The main findings show that the students are
relatively “highly” motivated and found to be slightly more “instrumentally” motivated to
learn English. This reveals that instrumental motivation is a significant factor among this
group of students learning English. Based on this study’s findings, some relevant and useful
motivational learning implications are recommended for enhancement and improvement of
the students’ motivation. Relevant language improvement programs and activities are also
discussed in accordance with the students’ language difficulties as communicated in the
open-ended questions to increase their motivation in English language learning.