Abstract
Correction of time deficit in acquiring the required level of command of English is possible only due to more active use of extramural activities: student's independent work and project work. Unfortunately, many students, especially those at a lower levels of command of language have insufficient motivation to continue their learning. The aim of the paper is to present a set of techniques used to boost motivation to learn English among students of engineering tertiary school. The techniques used were partially borrowed from secondary and primary school practice and adapted to suit the new demographics. At the heart of the method is the notion to make students use language outside classroom in preselected but non-adapted context: reading excerpts from Wikipedia, declamation, creative tasks. It is further informed by psychology and builds upon feeling of fulfillment binding it with studying English. The method was applied to several group of engineering students and resulted in some increase in attendance and significant increase in attempts at homework which we interpret as indicators of increased motivation. Intensive use of different games, unusual tasks and assignments allowed students to show their creative ability and imagination. The use of authentic materials while a naturally more challenging task is more rewarding not only from linguistic point of view, but motivationally as well. Many students regardless their level of English are interested in technology and results of modern research. This interest may and should be used to boost motivation. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s1p240
Highlights
Teaching a foreign language is a complex process in its requirements of adaptation in an alien linguistic environment, in preparation to reproduce foreign speech and in motivation to learn the language.The processes of international integration in science and industry advance new and more precise requirements to technical specialists' command of foreign language
We may conclude: extramural and extracurricular activity positively influences different active teaching methods and raises motivation to continue learning by boosting self-esteem and showing practical value of limited knowledge already obtained by student
Three aspects of personal development influencing on the level of motivation and the selection of information resources can be distinguished: 1. The first set of peculiar characteristics of personal development relates to the process of study itself and includes the following points: the level of foreign language skills, natural abilities, cognitive aspects, critical thinking, uptake of content efficiency, the level of general educational competences and learning strategies
Summary
Teaching a foreign language is a complex process in its requirements of adaptation in an alien linguistic environment, in preparation to reproduce foreign speech and in motivation to learn the language. The processes of international integration in science and industry advance new and more precise requirements to technical specialists' command of foreign language. Teaching of foreign languages in the tertiary school is built around those requirements and the curriculum is changed . A new curriculum for English Language in Tomsk. Polytechnic University calls for the following objective of teaching the foreign languages to form intercultural communicative foreign competence of students at a level sufficient for solving communicative tasks in professional activity and performance of further learning and cognitive development. Two years ago for the first time groups were created for students who came with zero knowledge of English after the high school. Every year more and more students strive to get into these groups
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