Motivation

Motivation is the thoughts and feelings we have which make us want to do something, continue to want to do it and turn our wishes into action.

Integrative motivation
The desire to identify with and integrate into the target-language culture.

Instrumental motivation
The wish to learn the language for purposes of study or career promotion.

Intrinsic motivation
The urge to engage in the learning activity for its own sake.

Extrinsic motivation
Motivation that is derived from external incentives.

Situational motivation
The context of learning (classroom, total environment, etc.)

Task motivation
The way the learner approaches the specific task in hand.

The importance of motivation
Various studies have found that motivation is very strongly related to achievement in language learning.

To encourage a greater motivation in learners:

Set a personal example with your own behaviour (be motivated as a teacher yourself)
Create a relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.
Present tasks in an interesting way which makes the tasks seem achievable to the learners.
Develop a good relationship with the learners.
Increase the learners’ self confidence about language learning (help learners feel they can be good at learning the language)
Make the language classes interesting.
Promote learner autonomy.
Personalize the learning process (make the course feel relevant to the learners’ lives).
Increase the learners’ awareness of their goals (what they want to achieve).
Familiarize learners with the target language culture.



Factors influencing motivation:

Usefulness of knowing the language (finding jobs)
Interest in the target language culture.
Feeling good about learning the language.
Encouragement and support from others.