A reappraisal of motivation: the cornerstone of L2 learning

Abstract

This article is aimed at increasing teacher awareness of the most relevant issues involved in motivation. It examines the importance of motivation in L2 learning, its types and sources, as well as detailing the various factors which influence it. Its focus is twofold, in that it concentrates not only on the student but also on the teacher, using authoritative sources to back up its line of argument. It aims at both clarifying the role of teachers in student motivation and the importance of motivating teachers themselves: «I do not regard motivation as an additive but as the fuel . . . 1 oz. motivation = 1 ton pedagogy» (Foldberg 15-23). If one wants to understand better the behaviour and reactions of students to methods, materials, situations, teachers and so on, it is imperative to have an insight into the nature and real significance of the affective factors (attitudes, motivation) that enter into play in the learning of an L2.