Motivating students to learn at a Saudi Arabian school within the united kingdom

Abstract EN

Saudi schools in the UK provide an opportunity for Saudi children to remain up to date with the Saudi curriculum whilst living abroad.

However, at some of these schools there are problems with motivation.

To understand the extent of students’ motivation to learn this study explores the practical methods employed by teachers at a Saudi Arabian school in the UK to motivate students, and measures the extent to which they are able to recognise motivation within the student body.

The study includes findings based on a semi-structured interview of twelve teachers and twelve students and a supporting classroom observation.

As predicted, results reveal that the majority of students in this school are not motivated to learn due to: mode of teaching, lack of interest, and difficulty with the curriculum.

The teachers successfully identify motivated students based on regular attendance, completion of homework and active engagement in complex tasks.