Motivation in language learning

Motivation is a stimuli that drives people towards action. Without motivation, students would not be able to accomplish long-term goals related to language learning. It is very useful to know different motivational strategies and techniques which can help facilitate the learning process.

During classes, find relevant pieces of information concerning motivation. You are supposed to make notes. At the end of the lesson you are going to deliver a speech about what you have prepared.

1. Divide into groups of 4 people.
2. Answer the questions below:

• What are 2 main types of motivation?
• Name at least 5 interesting motivational strategies and comment them briefly.
• Which of the motivational strategies are useful? Which strategies do you use frequently?
• When you have no motivation: is it better to force yourself and do the task, or wait until the perfect moment?
• Are there any thoughts that motivation is correlated with anxiety?

3. In each group, choose the leader who will coordinate the group work and who will deliver the speech at the end of the lesson.
4. Make essential notes.

Students will be evaluated based on observation.  Teacher will monitor students’ work. Also, the quality of prepared materials will be evaluated.

Having finished the lesson, language learners become familiarized with different motivational strategies. They have shared their experience. Now, they can use new strategies while learning.  

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-motivation-2795378

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivation

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317194653_Must_We_Suffer_to_Succeed_When_Anxiety_Boosts_Motivation_and_Performance

https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/motivation/

https://erwinwidiyatmoko.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/motivational-strategies-in-the-language-classroom-by-zoltan-dornyei.pdf

This webquest is designed for university students but can be modified and accomodated according to students needs/age group. The aim of the lesson is to get to know different useful motivational strategies which can improve students' work and performance. Students do not need to posses any specific knowledge about motivation before completing the tasks. Students need one hour to complete the tasks, and 30 minutes to deliver their speeches. It would be a good idea to provide a space with computers for the students to work. This activity can also be extended over two classes.