AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS CAUSING STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN LEARNING ENGLISH AT VII GRADE STUDENTS AT SMPN 5 KATINGAN TENGAH

This study aims to analyze the factors that cause low interest in learning English in grade VII students of SMPN 5 Katingan Tengah. This study uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. The subjects of the study were all grade VII students of SMPN 5 Katingan Tengah which amounted to 17 students. The data collection technique was carried out using a closed questionnaire consisting of 18 statements with six indicators, namely self-motivation, self-ability, anxiety or fear, teaching methods, learning environment, and influence of social environment. The data was analyzed using a Likert scale with a score range of 1–5 and presented in the form of percentages.
The results of the study show that internal factors and external factors affect students' learning interest in learning English. In internal factors, the self-motivation indicator obtained a percentage of 61.5% in the high category, self-ability obtained a percentage of 56.8% in the medium category, and anxiety or fear obtained a percentage of 50.9% in the medium category. In external factors, the teaching methods indicator obtained a percentage of 45%, learning environment of 42.7%, and influence of social environment of 39.2%, all of which were in the low category. The overall percentage of research was 49.4% in the medium category. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that external factors are the more dominant factor influencing the low interest in learning English in grade VII students of SMPN 5 Katingan Tengah.