Enhancing Motivation in the Foreign Languages Classroom

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction - What is the thesis about?
• 1. Motivation and Interest defined
• 1.1 Motivation
• 1.1.1 Behavioural and cognitive theories
• 1.1.2 Arousal theories
• 1.2 Motivation to learn
• 1.3 Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation
• 1.4 Interest
• 2. The importance of interest for language learning in the classroom
• 3. Creating motivational conditions in the classroom
• 3.1 Focus on the teacher
• 3.1.1 Personal characteristics
• 3.1.2 Closeness
• 3.1.3 Classroom management
• 3.2 Focus on the learner
• 3.3 Atmosphere in the classroom
• 3.3.1 A classroom climate free of anxiety
• 3.3.2 A positive classroom environment
• 3.4 Focus on the lesson
• 3.4.1 Materials
• 3.4.2 Activities
• 4. How to increase motivation by including the learners' interests - a research
• 4.1 Aims of the research
• 4.2 The questionnaire
• 4.3 Results of the questionnaire
• 4.4 Evaluation of the results
• 4.4.1 Topics
• 4.4.2 Teachers' personality
• 4.4.3 Methods
• 4.4.4 Media
• 5. Relating the learners' interests to the Lower Saxony Core Curriculum
• 6. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This Master's thesis examines the complex issue of motivation in the foreign language classroom, focusing on how teachers can enhance motivation by incorporating students' interests into lesson planning. The paper aims to present practical ideas for improving motivation in the classroom and to explore the specific interests of German secondary school students in English language learning.

• The significance of motivation for successful language learning
• Defining motivation and interest in their psychological context and their relevance to the English classroom
• The importance of incorporating students' interests into classroom activities
• Exploring various strategies for creating motivational conditions in the foreign language classroom
• Analyzing the results of a questionnaire investigating the interests of German secondary school students in English language learning

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction highlights the crucial role of motivation in language learning and introduces the concept of tailoring lessons to students' interests. Chapter 1 defines motivation and interest in their psychological context, exploring behavioral, cognitive, and arousal theories. It also distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and explains the importance of interest for language learning. Chapter 2 elaborates on the significance of incorporating students' interests into classroom activities, arguing that it can enhance motivation and engagement. Chapter 3 delves into strategies for creating motivational conditions in the classroom, focusing on the roles of teachers, learners, classroom atmosphere, and lesson design. It provides practical suggestions for each aspect, aiming to foster a motivating learning environment. Chapter 4 presents a research study that investigated the interests of German secondary school students in English language learning. The research included a questionnaire focusing on topics, teachers' personalities, methods, and media. The results and evaluation of the questionnaire are also discussed.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis explores the key concepts of motivation, interest, and their impact on English language learning. It focuses on creating motivational learning environments, incorporating students' interests, and analyzing research data on the interests of German secondary school students. The study emphasizes the importance of practical strategies for enhancing student engagement in the foreign language classroom, particularly through the use of student-centered approaches and engaging materials.