Developing Student's Motivation to Learn Foreign Language in Tertiary Classroom and Beyond

Abstract

Correction of time deficit in acquiring the required level of command of English is possible only due to more active use ofextramural activities: student's independent work and project work. Unfortunately, many students, especially those at a lowerlevels of command of language have insufficient motivation to continue their learning. The aim of the paper is to present a setof techniques used to boost motivation to learn English among students of engineering tertiary school. The techniques usedwere partially borrowed from secondary and primary school practice and adapted to suit the new demographics. At the heart ofthe method is the notion to make students use language outside classroom in preselected but non-adapted context: readingexcerpts from Wikipedia, declamation, creative tasks. It is further informed by psychology and builds upon feeling of fulfillmentbinding it with studying English. The method was applied to several group of engineering students and resulted in someincrease in attendance and significant increase in attempts at homework which we interpret as indicators of increasedmotivation. Intensive use of different games, unusual tasks and assignments allowed students to show their creative ability andimagination. The use of authentic materials while a naturally more challenging task is more rewarding not only from linguisticpoint of view, but motivationally as well. Many students regardless their level of English are interested in technology andresults of modern research. This interest may and should be used to boost motivation

Issues of promoting learner autonomy in EFL context

“…To learn a second language one needs to put in a great amount of effort, time and energy, and motivation and a positive attitude are equally important to this process. [17] 7. Self-esteem.…”

Target languages, types of activities, engagement, and effectiveness of extramural language learning

“…Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences [17] Asia Pacific Journal of Education [18] Journal of Teaching in International Business [19] Research Papers in Education [20] Journal of Computer Assisted Learning [21] Online Submission [22] Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching [23] Bilingualism-Language and Cognition [24] Applied Linguistics [25] Calico Journal [26,27] British Journal of Educational Technology [28][29][30] Porta Linguarum: Revista Internacional de Didáctica de las Lenguas Extranjeras [31] Australasian Journal of Educational Technology [32] Language Learning & Technology [33,34] Computer Assisted Language Learning [35] ReCALL [36][37][38] System [39,40] Edulanguage [41] Revista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics [42] Language Learning [43][44][45] Apples: Journal of Applied Language Studies [46] ITL-International Journal of Applied Linguistics [47] Asian EFL Journal Research Articles [48] CSL 2009 [49] https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253431.t001…”

“…Also, digital gameplay usually involved competitiveness and collaboration [51], providing people with rich opportunities for interactivity in the target language with friends and strangers around the world. Interactivity as such facilitated people's development and practice of language knowledge and skills [17]. Digital games for ELL can be online or…”

Wiki-Based Collaborative Learning Experience in a Foreign Language Blended Course

“…The crucial pedagogical problem is to understand how to incorporate these new technologies in order to enhance students' learning through deep engagement with the process of learning and the content of the course. The main problem usually voiced by modern students is lack of motivation to study a foreign language due to perceived impracticableness of this process as defined by murky prospects of achieving any practical results [6]. Motivation was always seen as a driving force of learning, and now it is evident that digital natives will be more engaged with a digital learning tool than a traditional textbook.…”