Interest and Motivation in Learning the Filipino Subject: A Lesson Exemplar

This study examined the level of interest and motivation in learning the Filipino subject and their differences according to selected student variables during the Academic Year 2025–2026. It employed a descriptive-comparative quantitative research design to describe students' levels of interest and motivation and determine significant differences based on sex and preferred language. The participants consisted of 176 Grade 8 students, with a higher number of females (96) than males (80). Results revealed that students demonstrated a positive level of interest in learning Filipino, with an overall mean of 3.19, particularly in understanding the connection of lessons to their daily lives (mean = 3.35). However, their active use of the Filipino language in communication was less consistent (mean = 3.05). In terms of motivation, students exhibited a moderately high level (mean = 3.10), with teacher-provided pre-discussion challenges contributing the most to their motivation (mean = 3.21), while the classroom environment received the lowest rating (mean = 2.99). The analysis further showed no significant differences in the levels of interest (t = -1.96, p = 0.051) and motivation (t = -0.371, p = 0.711) between male and female students based on their preferred language. However, a significant difference was found in students' level of interest according to their preferred language (p < 0.001), indicating that language preference influences students' interest in learning Filipino. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the extent of motivation according to preferred language (p = 0.377), suggesting that students' motivation remains similar regardless of the language they prefer. Overall, the findings indicate that language preference influences students' interest, while teaching strategies and the learning environment play a more important role in sustaining both interest and motivation. Therefore, the study recommends the use of real-life-based activities, interactive learning experiences, and communicative classroom practices to further enhance students' engagement and proficiency in the Filipino language.

Level of interest, extent of motivation, Filipino language

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