Influencing Motivation In The Foreign Language Classroom

Abstract

Motivation is one of the main determining factors ofsuccess in developing a second or foreign language. However, motivation is a complex phenomenonand the more its constructs are understood the better we are able to understandthe extent to which we can influence it. Teachers can cultivate student motivation tovarying degrees and play a central role in activating and sustaining it. This paper identifies the components thatinfluence student motivation in language learning and proposes ways in whichteachers can improve levels of motivation in the classroom and the extent towhich these measures are effective.