Japanese Journal
Japanese Journal
JAPANEDU:
Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran Bahasa Jepang
http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/japanedu/index
3
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the methods, motivation, and outcomes of Japanese learning in a five-month training program at a
Vocational Training Institution (LPK) and its impact on learners’ language skills, particularly for those preparing to work in
Japan. The study employed a longitudinal mixed-methods approach and involved eighteen participants from an LPK in
Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and proficiency tests based on
the standards of the Japan Foundation (JF). The findings revealed significant variations in language proficiency, with many
students reaching the A2 level by the end of the training program. Despite this improvement, challenges remained in sentence
construction, the use of complex vocabulary, and students’ self-confidence in speaking. The study highlights the
interconnectedness of student motivation, teaching methods, and learning outcomes as key factors in determining language
learning success. Learning methods serve as a means of delivering material and play a key role in motivating student learning,
which in turn impacts the quality of learning outcomes. Practice-based learning, role-play, and multimedia use emerged as
key methods that foster both engagement and proficiency. Student motivation was mainly driven by economic aspirations,
including job opportunities in Japan and the desire to support family finances. These extrinsic motivations proved to be
strong predictors of learning commitment. Furthermore, learners actively used Japanese outside the classroom, particularly
during designated “Japanese days”, reinforcing practical language use. The results suggest that the training programs should
prioritize speaking practice, integrate culturally relevant materials, and adopt interactive strategies to increase learners’
confidence and competence. The insights from this study are expected to guide educational institutions in designing more
effective and sustainable Japanese language programs customized to workforce readiness, thereby supporting both the
linguistic and socio-economic goals of learners.
KEYWORDS
Japanese learning; Teaching methods; Motivation; Learning outcomes; Training program.
ARTICLE INFO
First received: 16 April 2025 Revised: 24 June 2025 Final proof accepted: 27 June 2025
Available online: 30 June 2025
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Vol. 10, No. 01, June 2025, pp. 41-50
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JAPANEDU: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran Bahasa Jepang
Vol. 10, No. 01, June 2025, pp. 41-50
more than 3.7 million individuals actively The interaction between teaching methods,
participating in language study. Due to the close student motivation, and learning outcomes largely
bilateral ties between Indonesia and Japan, determines learning success. In this context,
learning Japanese is becoming increasingly teaching methods serve as a means of delivering
important in Indonesia, particularly in the business content and as a key factor in building and
and labor sectors. maintaining students’ motivation to learn,
A learner’s degree of linguistic competency ultimately impacting the quality of learning
relates to their capacity to use it in several outcomes (Dörnyei & Ushioda, 2021). Likewise, in
circumstances. This scope covers elementary the context of Japanese learning at the Vocational
reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Training Institution (LPK).
Yoon (2023) divides language abilities into two Previous studies on Japanese learning at LPK
main groups: receptive skills, which include have been conducted. Amri, Muhammad, and
reading and listening, and productive skills, which Kurniawati (2023) examined the effectiveness of
include speaking and writing. Effective Kanji Card and Flash Card learning media in
communication is important for people who want reading Kanji to LPK students. The results showed
to study the Japanese language, especially those that using flashcards significantly affects learning
hoping to work in Japan, where mastery of these to read and write kanji because students easily
abilities is essential. Mastering the Japanese understand it. Then, Wiwoho (2024) examined the
language fundamentally relies on enhancing one’s effectiveness of shadowing techniques in Japanese
linguistic abilities. From the perspective of speaking skills at LPK Momiji Boyolali. The result
learners, studying Japanese outside of Japan showed that shadowing does not significantly
presents various challenges (Quintos, 2021), improve Japanese speaking ability. Studies by
including restricted exposure to authentic language Amri, Muhammad, and Kurniawati (2023) and
and insufficient opportunities for genuine language Wiwoho (2024) only examined the effectiveness of
use. Outside of Japan, limited exposure may a method in Japanese language learning at LPK.
hinder students’ capacity to communicate with However, studies about comprehensive learning
native Japanese speakers effectively (Djafri & effectiveness at LPK are limited. Azwita, Purba,
Wahidati, 2020). and Sudrajat (2023) examined the effectiveness of
Developing speaking, listening, and the training program at LPK Hikari Gakkai. The
understanding skills can prove challenging without method used is qualitative. Data collection
consistent exposure to authentic Japanese techniques were carried out by interviewing one of
language contexts (Ito & Sakai, 2021). Despite the co-founders as a teacher and conducting a
advancements, obstacles persist in constructing literature review. The results showed that the
sentences and employing intricate terminology. training program at LPK Hikari Gakkai is very
Research findings indicate that numerous students effective and should be continued and developed.
encounter challenges in verbal communication. This study only used teacher interviews.
The challenges arise from internal factors, such as Meanwhile, learning effectiveness also requires
a limited vocabulary, inadequate opportunities for student data to observe the comprehensive
spoken Japanese practice, and an interest in the evaluation. In addition, most studies only measure
language (Muryati & Astuti, 2024). This learning outcomes over a short term. To determine
underscores the importance of placing greater the effectiveness of learning, a long-term study that
emphasis on overcoming these challenges. explores the development of students’ language
Furthermore, the lack of stimulating media competence is needed.
resources for language learning and the This study investigates the evaluation of
dependence on unexciting teaching approaches Japanese learning at a Vocational Training
greatly intensifies this challenge. Nunn (2021) Institution (LPK), including learning methods,
suggests that employing more interactive and student motivation, and learning outcomes, along
practice-oriented educational methods has the with their impact on students ready for
potential to enhance students’ speaking skills. The employment in Japan.
degree to which Indonesian interns may adapt to
the Japanese workplace and improve their
performance through proficient Japanese language
skills is highlighted (Amalia & Rahardjo, 2022).
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Anisa Arianingsih, Nuria Haristiani, Dadang Sudana,
Wawan Gunawan, Muhammad Faiz Khoerul Musyaafa, Ikmal Trianto
Linking Methods, Motivation, and Outcomes:
Investigating the Japanese Learning at Vocational Training Institution
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JAPANEDU: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran Bahasa Jepang
Vol. 10, No. 01, June 2025, pp. 41-50
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Anisa Arianingsih, Nuria Haristiani, Dadang Sudana,
Wawan Gunawan, Muhammad Faiz Khoerul Musyaafa, Ikmal Trianto
Linking Methods, Motivation, and Outcomes:
Investigating the Japanese Learning at Vocational Training Institution
environment. Hattie and Donoghue (2016) judgment from their peers. This suggests that
highlight that although traditional materials such although some individuals may feel assured in
as textbooks offer a certain level of structure, they using Japanese outside of the classroom, others
often fail to engage students as effectively as may encounter difficulties stemming from
multimedia resources can. psychological barriers.
Integrating insights from contemporary Furthermore, the study conducted by Dörnyei
theories on motivation and technology-enhanced and Ryan (2015) emphasizes the impact of
education into teaching practices allows educators individual factors, including motivation and self-
to cultivate dynamic environments that foster efficacy, on students’ engagement with a foreign
successful language learning outcomes. Kern language in informal settings. Although this
(2015) asserts that the integration of multimedia specific group demonstrates elevated engagement
enhances cultural understanding and contextual levels, more exhaustive research reveals variability
learning, proving to be more effective than among diverse learner populations concerning
traditional methods by themselves. their out-of-class usage.
Next, Japanese usage outside the classroom can be
seen in Figure 3. Student Motivation
Student motivation in Japanese learning can be
seen in Figure 4.
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Marinova, and Nghiem (2023) proposed the proficiency. Dörnyei’s motivational self-system
conceptual framework in Figure 5. theory provides a comprehensive analysis of how
individual differences influence motivation,
dividing it into three key components: the ideal L2
self (aspirations), the ought-to L2 self (obligations),
and the L2 learning experience (Dörnyei &
Ushioda, 2021).
This model emphasizes the importance of
developing speaking skills, a priority for many
learners influenced by their motivations and
unique circumstances. Individuals motivated by
Figure 5: Conceptual Framework Perceived Speaking career opportunities tend to concentrate on
Skills, Motives, and Communication Needs of Studying practical vocabulary that is pertinent to business
the Japanese Language (Tran, Marinova, & Nghiem, contexts; in contrast, those inspired by personal
2023). interests often emphasize informal dialogue and
cultural expressions ( Tran, Marinova, & Nghiem,
Based on Figure 5, the interplay among study 2023).
motives, speaking skills, individual factors, and The research conducted by Liu, Zhang, and
communication needs represents a multifaceted Wang (2019) reinforces this idea while also
domain of investigation within language revealing opposing results: they found that
acquisition. The foundation of this framework students who concentrated mainly on attaining
consists of study motives, which act as essential high grades frequently encountered anxiety during
catalysts for learners’ engagement in language speaking tasks, stemming from pressure rather
studies. The motives behind these actions can than deriving enjoyment from the act of
differ significantly; they include professional goals, communication itself.
such as obtaining employment in Japan or Ultimately, these speaking skills should
supporting family finances, and personal interests, correspond with wider communication
like engaging with culture (Tran, Marinova, & requirements, including fluency and
Nghiem, 2023). This is consistent with Gardner's comprehension of context and cultural subtleties,
(2019) socio-educational model, which asserts that which are vital for successful engagement with
motivation plays a crucial role in achieving success native speakers.
in language learning. Recent research indicates
that intrinsic motivations do not consistently Evaluation Method of The Learning
produce superior outcomes to extrinsic
Outcomes
motivations.
A study conducted by Alharbi (2020) illustrates
Proficiency Test
that intrinsic motivation enhances enjoyment and
engagement in learning activities; however, The proficiency test for students at LPK is given
extrinsic factors, including job opportunities and three times: at the beginning, middle, and end of
financial incentives, tend to exert a more the training program. The proficiency test uses a
immediate influence on learners’ commitment and speaking task based on the JF Standard in A1 and
performance. This indicates that although A2. The goal of the training program is A2, which
integrative motivations play a crucial role in is to be able to perform basic interactions necessary
fostering long-term engagement with the language for daily life. The results are shown in Table 4.
and culture (Gardner, 2019), instrumental Based on Table 4, 13 students aim for the A2
motivations may more effectively facilitate short- level, three are almost at A2, and two are still at A1.
term success. Despite progress in proficiency, verbal
Individual factors are crucial in shaping a communication skills were hindered by difficulties
learner’s development of speaking skills. Age, in sentence construction, use of complex
living conditions, and prior experiences vocabulary, and lack of motivation and confidence.
significantly influence learning; for example,
younger learners often exhibit distinct learning
styles compared to older individuals, and access to
native speakers can significantly improve
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Anisa Arianingsih, Nuria Haristiani, Dadang Sudana,
Wawan Gunawan, Muhammad Faiz Khoerul Musyaafa, Ikmal Trianto
Linking Methods, Motivation, and Outcomes:
Investigating the Japanese Learning at Vocational Training Institution
Table 4: The Result of the Proficiency Test by Students. suggest that intrinsic factors, including a genuine
No Name T1 T2 T3 interest in Japanese culture, and extrinsic factors
1 S1 A1 A1 A2 such as potential job opportunities, drove them. On
2 S2 A1 A1 A2△ the other hand, the two students who did not pass
3 S3 A1 A1 A2 the interview might have encountered diminished
4 S4 A1 A1 A2 motivation or a lack of adequate engagement with
5 S5 A1 A2 A2 the subject matter. Research demonstrates that
6 S6 A1 A1 A2△ motivation plays a vital role in successful language
7 S7 A1 A1 A1 acquisition; in its absence, even the most effective
8 S8 A1 A2 A2 teaching methods may prove inadequate (Dörnyei
9 S9 A1 A2 A2 & Ryan, 2015). The findings indicate a necessity
10 S10 A1 A2 A2 for customized support strategies to enhance
11 S11 A1 A1 A1 motivation across the entire learner population.
12 S12 A1 A2 A2 The data highlights the effectiveness of teaching
13 S13 A1 A2 A2 methodologies when paired with robust
14 S14 A1 A1 A2 motivational frameworks, demonstrating their
15 S15 A1 A2 A2
significant impact on language learning outcomes.
16 S16 A1 A1 A2
Creating an engaging environment that
17 S17 A1 A1 A2△
emphasizes practical application alongside
18 S18 A1 A1 A2
traditional study methods, such as kanji practice,
allows educators to effectively prepare their
Job Interview students for success in academic settings and real-
world scenarios, including job interviews.
As of April 1, 2025, 16 learners have completed the Educators should integrate interactive and
interview with a Japanese company, whereas two engaging strategies into their teaching
students (S7 and S11) have yet to reach this methodologies to enhance learning outcomes.
achievement. This outcome underscores the Strategies like role-playing, multimedia resources,
effectiveness of the teaching methods and the and collaborative learning can cultivate a more
motivational elements that play a crucial role in engaging classroom atmosphere that promotes
fostering student success in learning Japanese. active participation. Furthermore, offering
The statistic that 88.9% of students successfully numerous practice opportunities via games or
passed the interview with a Japanese company technology can clarify the complexities of kanji
highlights a significant relationship between and enhance accessibility for learners.
effective teaching strategies and student Moreover, incorporating cultural elements into
performance. Interactive learning methods, lessons can significantly boost motivation and
including role-playing and group discussions, have contextual comprehension, thereby rendering the
likely improved speaking skills and fostered learning experience more relatable for students.
learners’ confidence. Vygotsky’s Social Teachers can develop tailored strategies that
Development Theory posits that social interaction address various needs by acknowledging students’
is essential for cognitive growth; therefore, unique learning styles and preferences.
involving students in collaborative activities fosters Confronting the complexities of kanji necessitates
a more profound understanding and retention of a comprehensive strategy that integrates creative
language concepts. pedagogical techniques with a deep awareness of
Furthermore, incorporating varied vocabulary students’ motivations and experiences.
via multimedia resources, including videos and
music, has effectively enhanced cultural
understanding (Kern, 2015). This is consistent with CONCLUSION
Dörnyei and Ushioda’s (2021) Motivational Self-
System Theory suggests that learners demonstrate This study investigated the methods, motivation,
greater engagement when they perceive the and learning outcomes of Japanese learning at a
relevance of their studies through practical Vocational Training Institution (LPK) over five
application instead of mere rote memorization. months and its impact on the language skills of
The favorable results noted among these students students ready for employment in Japan. The
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Vol. 10, No. 01, June 2025, pp. 41-50
results revealed variations in proficiency, with a BP2MI. (2023). Data Penempatan dan Pelindungan Pekerja
considerable number of participants being at the Migran Indonesia periode Juni 2023.
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indonesia-periode-tahun-2023
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