Unit 9 - Motivation

What is motivation?

Motivation is the thoughts and feelings which make us want to and continue to want to do something and which turn our wishes into action. Motivation influences:

• Why people decide to do something
• How long they keep wanting to do it
• How they work to achieve it

Motivation is very important in language learning. It is one of the key factors that helps make language learning successful.

The teacher	1. Show a good example by being committed and motivated 2. Try to behave naturally 3. Be as sensitive and accepting as you can
The classroom atmosphere	4. Create a pleasant, calm, secure and ordered atmosphere in the classroom 5. Bring in humour and laughter, and smile
The task	6. Give clear instructions 7. Point out the purpose and usefulness of every task
Rapport	8. Treat each learner as an individual
Self-confidence	9. Give positive feedback and praise 10. Make sure your students experience success 11. Accept mistakes – they are a natural part of learning
Interest	12. Select interesting tasks and topics 13. Offer a variety of materials and activities 14. Make tasks challenging to involve your students 15. Use learners’ interests rather than tests or grades, to encourage learning
Autonomy	16. Encourage creative and imaginative ideas 17. Encourage questions and other contributions from students 18. Share as much responsibility for organising the learning process with your students as possible
Personal relevance	19. Try and personalise tasks to make them relevant
Goal/target (aim for learners or teachers)	20. Set up several specific learning goals for the learners 21. Encourage the learners to set goals and work towards them 22. Do a need analysis of the learners’ goals and needs
Culture	23. Make learners familiar with the cultural background of the language they are learning 24. Invite native speakers to some classes 25. Find penfriends for your learners

Reference:

Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2012). The TKT Teaching Knowledge Test Course Modules 1,2 and 3 (Vol. Second edition). United Kingdom: Cambridge English.