Edulitics (Education, Literature, and Linguistics) Journal
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): January - June 2026

Negotiating Integrative and Instrumental Motivation among Indonesian Junior High School EFL Learners in Digitally Mediated Contexts

Putri Herna Noviliani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi, Lampung Utara, Indonesia)
Elis Susanti (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi, Lampung Utara, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study explores how ninth-grade students in an Indonesian EFL context experience and interpret integrative and instrumental motivation in learning English within increasingly digitalized learning environments. Although motivation in EFL learning has been widely investigated, previous studies have predominantly relied on quantitative approaches and focused more on senior high school or university learners, providing limited qualitative insight into how junior high school students construct and negotiate their motivational orientations in everyday learning experiences. Addressing this gap, the present study employed a qualitative exploratory design involving eight purposively selected ninth-grade students at SMPN 10 Kotabumi. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews developed based on Gardner’s motivational framework and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. The findings indicate that students’ motivation is multidimensional and interconnected, encompassing integrative, instrumental, and mixed orientations. Integrative tendencies emerged prominently through students’ engagement with digital media, online interaction, and global cultural content, suggesting the emergence of digitally mediated forms of integrative motivation. Instrumental motivation remained evident in relation to academic achievement, future education, and career aspirations, although these orientations frequently overlapped within students’ learning experiences. The study contributes to EFL motivation literature by providing a contextualized qualitative understanding of how adolescent learners negotiate motivation in digitally globalized environments, particularly within Indonesian junior high school settings. These findings suggest that English language teaching should integrate meaningful communication, digital engagement, and future-oriented learning experiences to support students’ motivation more effectively.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

edulitic

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Edulitics is published by Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris (Department of English Education), Darul 'Ulum Islamic University (Universitas Islam Darul 'Ulum Lamongan). This journal publishes research-based articles in the field of language, literature, and education. This journal is published twice a year ...