Abjadia - International Journal of Education - Identifying Motivational Factors in Nahwu Courses Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA): A Study of Arabic Language Education Students

Aug 30, 2026

Nahwu learning in university Arabic education faces persistent obstacles due to rule complexity, which can reduce learners’ confidence and weaken their learning motivation. This descriptive quantitative study analyzes factors shaping motivation in Nahwu courses using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Data from questionnaires collected over one month from 46 fifth-semester students (cohort 2020) at UIN Datokarama Palu were analyzed with the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Results identify two dominant factors: Self-Regulation (positive motivation) and Helplessness (inability feelings).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Importance of Nahwu in Arabic learning

Learning motivation and theoretical background

Research Method and Data Collection

Descriptive quantitative design

Participants and questionnaire data

Motivation Framework

Self-Determination Theory

Intrinsic, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation

Abjadia : International Journal of Education, 11 (1): 337-348 (2026) DOI: 10.18860/abj.v11i1.36003 IDENTIFYING MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS IN NAHWU COURSES USING PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS (PCA): A STUDY OF ARABIC LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDENTS Annisa Raina Khairani1, Shofil Fikri2, Iklil Syaqifah3, Iqbal Juliansyah4, Annisa Syalsabila5 1234 Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Indonesia 5 Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia Abstract The challenges faced by students in studying Nahwu, an essential component of the Arabic language, often relate to the complexity of its rules, making it feel difficult and diminishing learning motivation. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing students' learning motivation in Nahwu courses atthe university level, offering solutions through a deeper understanding of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation. The research employed a descriptive quantitative method with factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) . Data were collected over a one-month period via questionnaires from 46 fifth-semester students (cohort 2020) in the Arabic Language Education Program at UIN Datokarama Palu. The motivation indicators employed in this study were based on the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) developed by Robert J. Vallerand, which comprises seven distinct indicators. The findings reveal two main factors affecting learning motivation: the Self-Regulation Factor, which is associated with positive motivation, and the Helplessness Factor, reflecting feelings of inability. These findings are expected to provide insights for educators in creating effective teaching methods to enhance students' motivation and learning outcomes in Nahwu courses. Keywords: Principal Component Analysis, Learning Motivation, Nahwu, Self-Determination Theory, Higher Education | * Correspondence Address: | [annisaraina4@gmail.com](annisaraina4@gmail.com) | | --- | --- | | Article History | Received | Revised | Accepted | Published | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 2025-08-08 | 2026-01-03 | 2026-01-23 | 2026-03-15 | Nahwu is an essential part of learning Arabic and is considered a fundamental basis for studying the language. As a key to understanding various Islamic literature, such as the Qur'anand Hadith, Nahwu facilitates access to these foundational texts. This urgency is further reinforced by the curriculum standards in State Islamic Higher Education (PTKIN), which mandate the mastery of Arabic linguistic components, including Nahwu, as a core competency for students in the Arabic Language Education program. However, many learners often face difficulties in studying Nahwu, primarily due to its complex and perceived complicated rules (Supardi et al., 2022) . These challenges can lead to frustration, lower motivation to learn, and reduced confidence in mastering the material. Therefore, it is crucial to address these obstacles to maintain learners' motivation and help them better understand Nahwu. Learning motivation is a crucial factor that plays a significant role in determining the success of the learning process (Candra et al., 2023) . Generally, motivation is often associated with enthusiasm (Yogi Fernando et al., 2024) . It is defined as the process of initiating and Identifying Motivational Factors in Nahwu Courses Using Principal Component Analysis (Pca): A Study of Arabic Language Education Students sustaining activities focused on achieving goals. In the expectancy-value theory, motivation is a function of the expectations of success and the value that individuals place on the task (Cook & Artino, 2016) . One of the primary theories used to understand motivation is the Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) . Recent meta-analyses confirm that this framework remains robust in predicting student outcomes across various educational contexts (Howard et al., 2021) . This theory distinguishes between three types of motivation:

FAQs

Why do students often struggle with Nahwu courses?

Nahwu rules are perceived as complex and difficult, which can lower motivation and confidence and lead to frustration during learning.

What method is used to identify motivational factors in this study?

The study uses descriptive quantitative research with factor analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) applied to questionnaire data.

What two main factors were found to influence students’ motivation?

The findings show Self-Regulation as the positive motivation factor, and Helplessness as a factor reflecting feelings of inability.

Aug 30, 2026

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