Author: Yan, Longfeng Phoebe
Title: Junior high school participants’ motivation in the “21st Century Cup” National English Speech Contest
Advisors: Tay, Dennis (ENGL)
Degree: M.A.
Year: 2018
Subject: Junior high school students -- Attitudes
Public speaking -- Competitions
Speeches, addresses, etc., English
Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations
Department: Department of English
Pages: 73 pages : color illustrations
Language: English
Abstract: The "21st Century Cup" National English Speech Contest for Primary and High School Students (hereafter will be referred as the "21st Century Cup") is an English public speaking contest. Previous research concerning speech contests mainly focused on training and task assessment. This research aims at discerning the motivation of contestants, proposing suggestions on boosting participation motivation and drawing possible pedagogical implications on public speaking. A questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted to discern participants' motivation, participation experience, and self-evaluation of achievement. Quantitative analysis reveals that extrinsic motivation is significantly higher in first prize winners; extrinsic motivation is weakly correlated to the contest results; and a strong correlation has been found among intrinsic, extrinsic motivations, participation experience and self-evaluation of achievements. Quantitative analysis implies that extrinsic motivations can be internalized through a good participation experience; contestants' peers offering advice and encouragement; public speaking offers life-long benefits such as sustaining long-term English learning motivation and cultivation of leadership. In order to improve the motivation of participants, external regulations such as support from parents, teachers and peers, introjected regulations such as exemplification of excellent speakers, and identified regulations such as events for award-winners to share experience and perceived achievements should all be implemented. A small-sized training class with effective materials and engaging activities is also recommended as a pedagogical implication.
Rights: All rights reserved
Access: restricted access

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