INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION FOR IMPROVING ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Students in higher education and of course any level of education need English language to achieve academic success both inside and outside the classroom. English language is the language of instruction to all students. With the recognition of English as a global language, it is essential for English language lecturers to support students to achieve academic success and prepare them for the future. Learning English language is important to all students. However, it is natural to assume that students in higher education have maturity and intelligence to cope with English language learning at this level. The assumption that students are taught in English from primary to secondary school and are expected to automatically succeed at higher level of education is a misconception. Accordingly, English language lecturers in higher education expect more from students and are at times deeply disappointed when students show lack of interest or perform low in English. Motivation is necessary for English language lecturers at higher education. Given the importance of English language to all students in higher education, there is need to provide support for them to improve on their English language learning. This paper therefore explored literature to understand how intrinsic and extrinsic motivation enhances English language teaching and learning in higher education. The paper stresses the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in higher education and concludes with a number of recommendations to help improve English language teaching and learning in higher education.