Motivation in English Language Learning

Motivation can be defined as a positive factor that helps both the teacher and students to share a successful and pleasurable achievement in the teaching learning process. In the Sri Lankan setting, the learners do not find any value or functional significance in learning English until they meet challenges in society. Therefore, as teachers of English, we have the responsibility to inculcate positive values and attitudes in students towards English education. To achieve this purpose, motivation is highly recognized as an important factor that can be applied in the classroom for a better achievement.

The term motivation itself is a mnemonic device and note what each letter suggests with respect to the learner and language acquisition.

M – motivation, methodology, meaning, mother tongue, mastery
O – objective
T – techniques, teacher
I – involvement, integration
V – values
A – attitudes, activities, achievements, articulation
T – transfer, translation, text books, testing
I – interference, individualization
O – observation
N – needs, native culture

K.V.D.P. Chandani

ISA – English, Walallawita Division