From Classroom to Global Healthcare: English Language Motivation in Malaysian Nursing Education

Abstract

This study explores the motivation and attitudes of nursing students towards learning English, with a focus on understanding the factors that drive their engagement with the language in both academic and professional contexts. A total of 176 nursing students from Diploma and Undergraduate programs participated in the study by completing an online survey distributed through Microsoft Forms. The survey consisted of two sections: the first measuring intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for learning English, and the second assessing students‘ attitudes, including confidence, anxiety, and the perceived importance of English for their future careers. Results showed that nursing students are highly motivated to learn English, particularly due to its perceived utility in their future careers and academic success. The majority of students expressed a strong desire to improve their English proficiency for professional communication, understanding medical literature, and enhancing personal growth. However, some challenges were identified such as anxiety in speaking English and difficulty with medical terminology. These findings suggest that while nursing students recognize the importance of English, interventions to reduce speaking anxiety and increase engagement in language learning activities are necessary to further support their language development. The study provides valuable insights for educators on how to tailor English language instruction to better meet the needs of nursing students, enhancing both their academic performance and future employability.