Language Learning Motivation Research Articles

Language Teaching and Curricular Practices: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Language teaching has evolved over the decades, driven by advancements in educational theories and the growing need for learners to communicate effectively in a globalized world. Curricular practices in language education have shifted from traditional grammar-based approaches to more communicative and task-oriented models. However, the implementation of these curricula varies across different contexts, raising questions about their effectiveness and adaptability. This comprehensive literature review aims to analyze the current trends, challenges, and best practices in language teaching and curriculum design. By synthesizing findings from empirical studies, the review examines how various curricular approaches impact language proficiency, learner engagement, and teaching methodologies. The study also explores the role of institutional support and teacher training in facilitating successful language education reforms. The review finds that communicative and task-based curricula significantly improve language proficiency and learner motivation. However, successful implementation requires adequate teacher preparation, appropriate resource allocation, and flexibility in curriculum design. Additionally, challenges such as cultural differences, institutional rigidity, and assessment practices can hinder the effectiveness of innovative curricular models. In conclusion, while communicative and task-based approaches show promise, their success is highly context-dependent. Future research should focus on developing adaptable curriculum models that accommodate diverse educational settings and explore long-term outcomes of these approaches.

A Comprehensive Review of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in Modern Classrooms

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) has become a dominant methodology in language education, emphasizing interaction and practical communication skills over traditional grammar-focused approaches. With the increasing need for language learners to develop real-world communicative competence, CLT has been widely adopted in modern classrooms across various educational contexts. However, its implementation faces challenges such as cultural differences, teacher preparedness, and institutional constraints. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of CLT in contemporary language teaching settings. This study uses a systematic review methodology, analyzing research articles, case studies, and reports published in the last two decades. The review focuses on both qualitative and quantitative studies that assess CLT’s impact on language proficiency, learner motivation, and classroom engagement. It also explores barriers to successful CLT implementation, including teacher training and resource limitations. The findings suggest that CLT has a significant positive impact on learners’ communicative competence and motivation, especially in immersive environments. However, the success of CLT varies depending on the classroom context, cultural backgrounds, and teacher expertise. Moreover, while CLT fosters a more interactive learning experience, challenges such as inadequate teacher training and a lack of suitable materials often hinder its full potential. In conclusion, CLT remains an effective approach to language teaching, but its success is contingent on overcoming implementation barriers. Further research is needed to address these challenges and to explore how CLT can be adapted to different learning environments.

The Socio-Educational Model: An Evidence-Based Re-evaluation

Abstract The socio-educational model suggests that social milieu influences individual characteristics, which in turn affect engagement in learning contexts, ultimately impacting linguistic and non-linguistic outcomes. Operationalized representations of the model tend to focus on relations among integrativeness, attitudes to the learning situation, motivation, language anxiety, and language achievement. While objections to the model exist, recent work has challenged their persuasiveness, and as such, it seems appropriate to re-evaluate the model using new data to elucidate its continuing utility in understanding second language outcomes. The objective of this study was therefore to measure the levels of the aforementioned constructs in an international sample and to determine the degree to which they covaried as predicted by the model. A structural equation modelling study of 278 Malaysian high school students studying English compulsorily in national secondary schools in Malaysia found substantial levels of model constructs and statistically significant relationships between them, implying the model’s potential ongoing utility. Implications for second language learning theorization, educational policy, curriculum design, teaching strategies, global language learning contexts, and further research are explored.

Metacognition, Self-efficacy Belief, Language Learning Motivation, and Perceived Progress in Online English Learning: A Cross-lagged Analysis

Metacognition, Self-efficacy Belief, Language Learning Motivation, and Perceived Progress in Online English Learning: A Cross-lagged Analysis

Saudi (EFL) Learners’ Attitudes Toward Google Sites E-portfolio Systems in Relation to Their Language Learning Motivation

Electronic portfolios have emerged as an essential element of e-learning systems in the Saudi educational system, particularly in higher education. Google Sites e-portfolios enable prompt sharing of assignments and foster reflection and collaboration among students and instructors. The aim of this study is to investigate Saudi female EFL students’ attitudes toward the Google Sites e-portfolio system in relation to language learning motivation. The sample comprised 138 EFL female Saudi students. The participants were enrolled in an English advanced course and were required to submit an e-portfolio as part of a course assessment. A quantitative research approach was employed. Data were collected through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, means, standard deviation, and correlation were conducted. The study revealed that the learners showed positive attitudes toward the ease of use of Google’s e-portfolio system. Furthermore, they perceived it as a valuable tool, recognizing its usefulness in facilitating timely submissions, effective feedback, and reflective learning. The study also found a positive correlation between learners’ attitudes toward the system and their language learning motivation; a stronger correlation was observed for instrumental motivation. The study highlighted the significant educational value of Google e-portfolios and indicated possibilities for educators to enhance learners’ experiences by tackling current obstacles and promoting motivation. Educators should encourage the use of the Google Sites e-portfolio system for reflective practices and highlight its useful features. They should also focus on students’ language learning motivation, which affects attitudes toward technology implementation. Educational institutions should enhance students’ comprehension of the system through focused instruction, workshops, and peer assistance.

Alternative Teaching Strategies in Learning Filipino Language among Dominant English Speakers

Alternative teaching strategies employed by grade school teachers were important in enhancing motivation in learning the Filipino language among students with dominant English language use at home. This qualitative research study explored these alternative strategies and their effects on the language learning motivation of the target student population. The study aimed to achieve two key objectives: (1) to identify the specific alternative teaching strategies utilized by Filipino teachers to enhance the motivation of English-dominant students in learning the Filipino language, and (2) to determine the effects of these alternative teaching strategies on the language learning motivation of the target student population. The findings of the study highlighted several effective alternative teaching strategies, including: the emphasis on the “Filipino word of the day” to enhance vocabulary acquisition and language proficiency; the incorporation of language games that integrated communication skills with learning, fostering more engaging and practical language experiences; the implementation of role-play activities to allow students to immerse themselves in real-life scenarios, enhancing their understanding and retention of language concepts; and the promotion of continuous exposure to the Filipino language in various contexts to solidify learning and improve practical application. The study also examined the effects of these alternative teaching strategies on the language learning motivation of English-dominant students. The results indicated that strategies such as encouraging language use outside the classroom, promoting engagement in reading activities, and incorporating student self-assessment and feedback had significantly improved students’ motivation, engagement, and overall language proficiency. The findings contributed to the existing body of knowledge on language education and offered recommendations for teachers to effectively motivate English-dominant students through the implementation of alternative teaching strategies.

Students’ Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioural Perceptions of the Quizizz Towards Their Grammar Skills in a Business English Training Class at PT. Xl Axiata Tbk. Jakarta

This study explored students’ perceptions of the Quizizz platform in a Business English training class at PT. XL Axiata Tbk. in Jakarta. To promote effective language learning, especially in a Business English training class, a dynamic and engaging teaching approach is essential. Traditional methods such as lectures and exercises often lack the enthusiasm necessary to actively involve students in the learning process. In incorporating game-based elements like rewards, rivalries, and instant feedback, gamification provides a potential solution to increase engagement and improve learning outcomes. The study utilized a mixed-methods design, gathering data through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation analysis. The sample included 47 students from a Business English training class at PT XL Axiata Tbk. Jakarta. The results showed that Quizizz, as a gamification platform, enhances student engagement and motivation in language learning and underscores the potential of gamification in language instruction, particularly within the context of a Business English training class.

Learner perceptions of a national CLIL innovation in foreign languages in the Republic of Ireland (5474)

This paper describes a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) curriculum innovation to improve motivation in language learning undertaken in the Republic of Ireland through a national pilot in transition year (TY) in 2021–2023 for learners aged 15–16. Here we extract data from part of an empirical evaluation study focussing on the research question, what are learner perceptions of learning through CLIL approaches in a national pilot module? A CLIL module on the theme of Fair Trade based on geographical and mathematical skills and content was taught through either French, German, Italian or Spanish. Models varied between schools—most undertook the module by teaching two to three lessons per week within a six-eight week period. A minority taught through this approach throughout the year. Results are presented from learner focus groups in three diverse school contexts and an online learner questionnaire drawn from all participating learners in these schools. Group discussions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken based on the Process Motivation Model for investigating CLIL in the classroom (PMM). Analysis and discussion include the positive impact on a large majority of learners and practical implications around the nature of learning a linear school subject in TY. Lessons learned include the need to extend this innovation to the wider curriculum, and the need for further professional learning for teachers. Constraints due to the nature of TY year and the module are acknowledged.

FROM EFL TO EMI: A CASE OF THAI INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ L2 LEARNING MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT IN CHINA

This study aims to explore Thai international students’ attitudes towards teaching approaches maximizing their second language (L2) learning motivation and engagement and the motivating and demotivating factors influencing their L2 learning experiences during the transition from EFL to EMI contexts. The participants, selected by the purposive sampling method, were five senior Business English major undergraduates in southern Thailand who were enrolled as international students in a Chinese multilingual university for two semesters. Semi-structured interviews were employed, and qualitative data was inductively analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that all participants felt motivated and engaged to take the English for International Business and Trade course within the field of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in the EMI Business Program. They tended to sustain their intended effort to complete communicative-based tasks and term projects related to their future professional goals, acquire specialized business knowledge, and develop digital literacy skills. Despite experiencing fluctuating motivation and transitional challenges, they reported their native-speaker teacher helped them reduce their constraints regarding English language use by editing their writing tasks and presentation scripts. Furthermore, they developed their English language proficiency, L2 self-confidence, and intercultural competence. These findings illuminate several factors influencing the student sojourners’ L2 learning motivation and engagement in EMI settings. The study sheds light on the pedagogical implications of implementing practical courses and developing the instructional quality of the curriculum in internationalized higher education institutions.

Digital Literacy in Saudi Tertiary EFL Context: Perspectives of Students and Potentials for Listening Skills

Technology is regarded as a vital aspect in modern society, revolutionising various fields. Consequently, evolutionary knowledge and skills raise in this paradigm, referred to as digital literacy. The necessity to reveal the influence in EFL, English as a foreign language, context is fundamental. The exploration seeks to examine digital literacy perspectives of 117 Saudi undergraduate EFL learners enrolled in English Language and Translation bachelor’s programme at a Saudi university. It also scrutinises the prospects for improving English listening skills. To achieve the exploration objectives, mixed-method approach is integrated via adopted questionnaires from scholarly work (Mudra, 2020; Najmi & Navaee Lavasani, 2021; Ng; 2012a; Ng; 2012b; Yukselir & Yuvayapan, 2019) with minor adjustments. Findings demonstrate EFL learners’ confidence to their digital literacy skills. They reveal high confidence to solving technical difficulties; conversely, the least positive positioning denotes towards literacy to web relevant activities. Findings advocate for the benefits of listening skills, especially for pronunciation and vocabulary improvement, authentic materials for learning, language learning motivation, and access to entertaining educational materials. The exploration serves endeavour to subsequent academic and pedagogical implementations.

‘Learning German is like … ’: how learner representations, motivational beliefs, and perceptions of public views relate to motivation for continuing German study

ABSTRACT In England, motivation for language learning is low, especially for learning German at high school, with potentially negative educational and societal implications. Previous research has tended to overlook the relevance for low motivation of social factors such as negative messages in public discourse (Krüsemann, H. 2018. Language learning motivation and the discursive representations of German, the Germans, and Germany in UK school settings and the press. PhD diss., University of Reading.). This study therefore aimed to provide deeper insights through an investigation of 391 adolescent learners. They completed a questionnaire exploring not only their representations of German and the Germans (German*), their motivational beliefs about learning German, and whether they intended to continue studying it, but also how they perceived public views about German*. Whether all these factors, together with gender and socio-economic status (SES), predicted future German study intentions was also investigated. Findings showed that the negative public views highlighted by previous research were only partly mirrored in learner representations. Learners were more likely to continue German study if they believed others viewed German positively, if they had higher expectations for success, saw German as personally meaningful, and were female and of higher SES. The study thus presents new insights into motivation for learning German, providing empirical evidence for previously unsubstantiated claims of links between public discourse messages and learner motivation for German study.

Motivation for Learning Chinese as a Second Language: A Case Study of Students at Thu Dau Mot University

This study investigated the motivation of Chinese language learners by surveying over 138 students from various majors who are studying Chinese as a foreign language at the Foreign Language Center of Thu Dau Mot University. The results showed that students have a relatively positive learning motivation. In terms of the relationship between achievement and learning motivation, the motivation to fulfil the university's foreign language requirements accounted for the highest proportion (81.7%). This was followed by the motivation to find a job easily (66.7%), as they believe this is an essential condition that determines the material results of their work after graduation. The motivation to have the opportunity to advance in their careers later on is also relatively high (accounting for 62.7%). The motivation to learn Chinese to listen to music, watch movies in Chinese, the motivation to learn because of interest in Chinese music and cinema (49.2%), and a liking for Chinese history and culture (33.3%) are factors that affect students’ academic performance.

Integrating Malay Local Wisdom in English Learning: Students’ Perception at State Junior High School 1 in Tanjung Pura Regency of North Sumatera Province

Integrating local wisdom into the English learning process is essential to preserve cultural identity and promote a more meaningful and relevant learning experience for students. This study aimed to explore students' perceptions on the importance of integrating local wisdom of the Malay community in English language learning. A qualitative approach was applied, which involved a survey of 27. The results showed that most students believe that the integration of local wisdom of the Malay community in English language learning is important. They recognized the potential benefits, including increased cultural understanding, better language learning motivation, and development of 21st century skills. However, the students also identified some challenges, such as the limited availability of learning resources that integrate the local wisdom of the Malay community and the need for better teacher training in this area. The findings of this study indicated that students were generally open to the integration of Malay local wisdom in English language learning, but there needs to be a more systematic and comprehensive effort to address the identified challenges. Implications for curriculum development, teacher professional development, and learning resource design to integrate local wisdom of the Malay community in English textbooks.

Motivation and anxiety in Chinese EFL students’ listening process: An idiodynamic approach

This study pioneers the use of the idiodynamic approach to investigate the dynamic interplay between motivation and anxiety in Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) during listening tasks. Despite the acknowledged importance of understanding moment-to-moment fluctuations in language learning motivations and emotions, research has yet to explore these dynamics within listening comprehension contexts using this approach. To address this gap, the authors enlisted five Chinese EFL learners to examine how motivation and anxiety fluctuate and interact during two distinct listening activities: a multiple-choice English listening test and a listening practice task. Utilizing the Anion Variable Tester V2 software, we captured real-time changes in participants’ motivation and anxiety levels, offering a novel lens through which to view these psychological dynamics. Quantitative analysis, including Pearson correlation per task, Pearson correlation in segment, and moving correlation analysis, revealed significant variations in the relationship between motivation and anxiety across individuals and tasks and patterns of positive, negative, and non-significant correlations emerging within tasks. Qualitatively, the study identified that the factors interactively influence the fluctuations of motivation and anxiety. These findings contribute to our understanding of motivation and anxiety’s nuanced roles in language learning and underscore the value of the idiodynamic method in capturing these complex psychological processes. The implications of this research extend to developing more responsive and emotionally attuned language teaching practices.

Empowering Chinese high school students: Transformative reading lessons with the task-based learning approach

This essay investigates the implementation of the task-based language teaching (TBLT) approach in Chinese high school English as a Second Language (ESL) reading lessons. Despite China’s Ministry of Education’s endorsement of TBLT, its application in the Chinese language classroom remains challenging due to factors such as traditional examination systems and teachers’ limited knowledge of TBLT principles. Drawing on the author’s experience as an English teacher, the project aims to explore how TBLT can be effectively integrated into ESL reading instruction. The objectives include explaining the main characteristics of TBLT, identifying issues in the Chinese EFL context, providing rationales for TBLT use, and constructing three reading lesson plans that adopt the TBLT approach. The lesson plans, which incorporate authentic materials and a variety of tasks, are designed to promote fluency in reading for information and to develop students’ awareness of real-world issues. The essay concludes that TBLT, with its learner-centered and goal-oriented nature, can enhance motivation and engagement in language learning, and that it is particularly suitable for contexts where students are preparing for overseas studies and need to develop communicative skills and creativity. The project also emphasizes the critical role of teachers in facilitating TBLT lessons and the need for ongoing professional development to support the effective implementation of TBLT in Chinese EFL teaching.

What can multi-factors contribute to Chinese EFL learners’ implicit L2 knowledge?

Abstract The goal of second language (L2) learning is spontaneous, unreflective L2 use, relying primarily on implicit L2 knowledge. While most research has compared the methods and effects of explicit and implicit instruction, less attention has been given to individual differences (IDs) and their impact on implicit L2 knowledge. A sparse body of research has addressed the relationship between IDs and implicit L2 knowledge considering age effects and age-related language analytic ability, with conative and affective factors receiving scant attention. This paper, grounded in the control-value theory, advocates a holistic view to comprehensively investigate how language analytic ability, language learning motivation, learner beliefs, and foreign language anxiety can contribute to implicit L2 knowledge among Chinese postgraduate students. The findings indicate that cognitive, conative, and affective factors have direct or indirect effects on implicit L2 knowledge. Implications for L2 teaching and research are discussed in detail.

Effects of teachers’ rapport-building strategies on EFL learners’ cognitive load and computer-assisted language learning motivation

Effects of teachers’ rapport-building strategies on EFL learners’ cognitive load and computer-assisted language learning motivation

The Development Of Flash Card Learning Media in Increasing Students' Learning Motivation in Indonesian Language Learning in Grade 1 SDN 15 Koto Baru

Based on the author's observations at SDN 15 Koto Baru, especially in class 1, the author found several factors causing students' lack of focus in learning, assumed by several factors in learning, less varied learning media, lack of interest, so that students' learning motivation to participate in the learning process is still low. and paying less attention to the material being conveyed so that students do not really understand what is being conveyed so that students do not really understand what is being conveyed by the teacher. This happens because the learning tools and media used are less attractive, only using media such as blackboards and textbooks. The aim of researchers developing flash card media is to create a learning tool that can increase student motivation through the use of visuals and interactives, facilitate understanding of complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and stimulate student interest and motivation in studying subject matter through a fun and interesting learning experience. It can be seen that the students' learning outcomes have reached KKM 70, namely, students' learning outcomes with an average of 80% are categorized as very effective. Meanwhile, students' incomplete learning outcomes with an average of 20% are categorized as ineffective. So that flash card learning media can be applied in the learning process. The results of the analysis included 8 students who completed and 2 who did not complete, with a total of 10 students, the number of students who completed was 8 divided by the number of 2 students multiplied by 100, the result is 80%. In the KBBI, effectiveness is defined as usability, activeness, as well as suitability and the goals to be achieved. Based on the analysis above, it can be concluded that flash card learning media is effective, meaning it can help students improve learning outcomes

Investigating the relationships between language mindsets, attributions, and learning engagement of L2 writers

Despite the growing interest in unveiling the effect of attributions on L2 learning, there is a dearth of literature on the relationships between attributions and other motivational factors to better explain the motivation of second language (L2) learners. To fill this gap, this study examined the antecedents (language mindsets) and consequences (learning engagement) of students’ attributions to their writing achievement with a sample of 242 second-year students from a Chinese high school. Structural equation modeling results demonstrated the positive associations between growth mindset and internal attributions (i.e., ability and effort) and between fixed mindset and external attributions (i.e., context and luck) to their writing achievement. Further, internal attributions were positively associated with behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement, whereas external attributions were negatively related to these three types of learning engagement, with context attribution showing no relationship with behavioral engagement. In terms of the indirect effect, only one path from fixed mindset to emotional engagement via luck attribution was evident. The study contributes to the literature by exploring the nuanced relationships between language mindsets, attributions, and learning engagement in L2 writing learning, based on which pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research are proposed.

Kahoot! in a flipped classroom: A case study at Junior High School in Samarinda

The study explores the integration of Kahoot! within a flipped classroom approach at Junior High School in Samarinda, focusing on its impact on student involvement, motivation, and educational achievements in English language learning. The research employs a qualitative case study design involving first-grade students. Data collection methods include pre- and post-implementation surveys, semi-structured interviews, and observation. Thematic analysis analyzes the data, revealing insights into students’ experiences and perceptions. The study aims to contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical application of Kahoot! in language learning within a flipped classroom context. This study examines how Junior High School Samarinda uses Kahoot! in flipped classrooms, with an emphasis on how it affects student motivation, engagement, and academic performance when learning English. Data was gathered via surveys, interviews, and observations using a qualitative case study approach with students in first-grade students. The results showed that Kahoot! greatly raises student achievement and motivation, and average scores show a strong desire to use it. Although there are some technical difficulties and a learning curve, Kahoot! creates an engaging and dynamic learning environment that improves comprehension and retention of the content. The present study highlights the potential of Kahoot! to enhance academic results and suggests further investigation into creative pedagogical approaches that incorporate technology, like Kahoot!, to augment student involvement and the efficacy of instruction.