INCREASING STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION TO LEARN LINGUISTICS
BY UTILIZING THE INTERNET

Titik Sudartinah
Yogyakarta State University
tiss_deh@yahoo.com

Abstract

Many students have difficulties in understanding the basic terms in linguistics in the linguistic courses they take. Besides the fact that the terms are quite new to them, the number is relatively high and the coursebooks available do not always provide easy and understandable definitions. The difficulties are due to either the course materials that are considered too difficult, insufficient explanation from the lecturers, the lack of motivation of students, or the assumption that linguistics itself is a difficult subject. In relation to these factors, this article aims at describing the positive effects of the utilization of internet on students’ motivation to learn linguistics. Internet for the last decade has served as an important alternative of students’ learning sources. It has been widely used by students around the world. The number of students using the internet is increasing each year since they are aware that it is an endless source that provides various useful and also interesting materials for them. The results of the analysis show that there is a positive relation between the internet and students’ motivation to learn linguistics. Firstly, the internet is a source of authentic communication that is interesting for students. Secondly, students feel a great amount of personal power and control mastering computers and internet. Thirdly, there is a positive impact of computer mastery on students’ learning and achievement, which later help them to be autonomous learners.