INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026): INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa

An Investigation of Students' Interest in Learning English Pop Songs at SMAN 4 Wajo

Sahrina Ahmad (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang)
Andi Sadapotto (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang)
Nurul Faradillah (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang)
Ibrahim Manda (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang)
Sam Hermansyah (Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the level of tenth-grade students' interest in learning English through English pop songs at SMAN 4 Wajo and identified the internal and external factors influencing that interest. The research employed an integrated mixed-method design. Quantitative data were collected through a 12-item questionnaire organized around four indicators: feeling of enjoyment, students' interest, acceptance, and students' engagement. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with selected students and classroom observations. Questionnaire data were analyzed using score percentages and interest-level categories, while qualitative data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing and verification, and triangulation. The results showed a total questionnaire score of 694 out of a maximum of 840, producing an overall percentage of 82.62%, which was categorized as high. Feeling of enjoyment contributed the largest share of the total score (186; 26.80%), followed by acceptance (171; 24.64%), students' interest (170; 24.50%), and students' engagement (167; 24.06%). Qualitative findings identified four internal factors - enjoyment, motivation, curiosity about lyrics and vocabulary, and personal preference for pop songs - and two external factors - teachers and learning activities, and accessibility through social media and digital platforms. These findings indicate that English pop songs can provide an enjoyable and relevant learning medium that supports students' interest, motivation, and participation in English learning.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

interactionjournal

Publisher

Subject

Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

The focus of INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa is to provide a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share innovative research and practical insights within the realm of language teaching and literature. The journal particularly emphasizes studies that explore effective ...