Motivation in second language learning is an increasingly important area in applied linguistics. The current state of research is characterized by many different approaches, which have developed over time. Today there are still divided views about motivation.
The social psychological approach dominated until the early 1990s. Criticized, later supplemented and eventually replaced by pedagogical and psychological concepts. In order to understand the importance of motivation in second language learning it is important to look at different types of motivation after clarifying the definition of the term 'motivation' used in the text below.
This paper has been divided into three parts. First, I will give a definition of the term motivation. Then I will focus on different kinds of motivation, especially the distinctions between motivation regarding learning in general by Deci and Ryan and motivation especially in language learning by Gardner.
Finally, the practical part deals with motivation in second language classroom in Saarland. Thus, the main question addressed in this paper is: How important is motivation in second language learning?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition of motivation
- Different kinds of motivation
- Extrinsic / intrinsic motivation
- Integrative/ instrumental motivation
- Motivation for second language learners
- Other individual differences
- Motivation and teaching
- Affect
- Achievement
- Attitude
- Activities
- Agency
- Teaching English in Saarland
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the importance of motivation in second language learning, particularly in the context of the German second language classroom. It delves into the definition of motivation, examines various types of motivation and their application to language learning, and investigates the role of teachers in fostering and maintaining student motivation.
- Definition and types of motivation in second language learning
- The distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, as well as integrative and instrumental motivation
- The influence of individual differences on student motivation
- The role of teachers in motivating second language learners
- The practical application of motivation theories in the second language classroom in Saarland
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introductory chapter establishes the significance of motivation in second language learning and outlines the paper's structure. Chapter 2 defines the term "motivation" and elaborates on different kinds of motivation, including extrinsic/intrinsic and integrative/instrumental motivation, as well as the specific challenges and implications of these types for second language learners. The chapter also explores other individual differences that can influence motivation, such as age, gender, and attitude. Chapter 3 delves into the relationship between motivation and teaching, highlighting the crucial role of teachers in fostering and sustaining student motivation. The chapter focuses on factors such as affect, achievement, attitude, and agency in shaping student motivation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focal points of this paper include: motivation, second language learning, extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, integrative motivation, instrumental motivation, teacher's role, individual differences, and the second language classroom in Saarland.
- Quote paper
- I. Magel (Author), 2012, How important is motivation in second language learning?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368012
