Exploring ESL Classroom Motivation: Insights From Educators And Learners

Abstract

ESL teachers usually practice different motivational techniques to teach English language to the English language learners. The present research study highlights the relationship between various motivational techniques used by the ESL teachers and students’ perception about those motivational techniques. It further reflects on how ESL teachers perceive their roles as teachers, their thoughts on acquirement of knowledge and how learning takes place. The study is survey based qualitative research in which 40 students of secondary level were taken from a high school of Muzaffar Garh. The researchers have made observations, interviewed and through questionnaires studied how students comprehended the teachers’ teaching techniques and how do they compare them with their own motivation and interest. The activities that show glimpses of real life are more attracted to ELLs and they[1] are intrinsically motivated to learn and attend classes with interest. The findings of the study delineate that the students are more comfortable and motivated in a classroom environment that is similar to what students perceive as that of real life itself and real life communication. Motivation sets an atmosphere of competition in the classroom which provides vigour and energy in the learners to excel. This accelerates the learning process. Moreover, encouragement and appreciation from the teachers are very important tools of motivation, which enable the students to utilize their abilities in achieving their goals.