Course TESOL Programs

Motivation in the ClassroomIn order for language acquisition, students – on some level – need to be motivated. Motivation is what causes a student to initiate and sustain behaviours which encourage the attainment of goals . In order for a student to actually focus on learning english, they must see both the utility in doing so and be given the proper supports to maintain motivation. In talking about motivation in the classroom we will first talk about the types of motivation which may affect a student, and then discuss how a teacher can increase student motivation in the EFL classroom. Student motivation is influenced by internal and external factors . A student’s values, personality, goals, dream, interests and their perceived abilities are internal factors, which are derived from within. A young girl who chooses to learn english s likely internally motivated by the rewarding and challenging material learned in class, and receives satisfaction simply form the learning itself. On the other hand, students can also be motivated by external factors. These are in the environment and can help to encourage and reward behaviours. That is, things such as passing a test, getting a sticker, or a pat on the back. Both internal and external factors work together to affect how a student will engage with the language, as well as their overall desire to learn english. Research has found that the more internally motivated a student is, the more likely they are to retain new information as well as to become life-long learners. As teachers, our goal is shape student into the life-long learner, who uses things learned in our classroom as they move forward . However, there always be students who are difficult to motivate, and these students will likely need external reward structures to ensure their motivation in the classroom . So, what can teachers do to ensure motivation –both internal and external – in the classroom? There are various ways a teacher can develop and encourage motivation. Some of the ways include : • Help students to create goals from which they can move forward and strive to reach • Ensure classroom assignments relate as much as possible to the real life experiences of the students • Wherever possible increase student control over the assignments they do, or how they do them • When you have difficulties tapping into a student’s internal motivation, create incentives and reward systems. Incentives can be as simple as doing more pair work or small movie clips. Reward systems may also be developed depending on the level you are teaching • Games can be something students look forward to after going through new material • Practice assertive discipline. That is, act quickly and firmly and take charge with classroom issues. Students must realize that there are consequences for certain actions. To conclude, students can be motivated by both internal and external factors. As teachers, our goal is to understand what motivates students and implement this understanding in the classroom to ensure language acquisition in the now, but also to help to develop lifelong learners.