Motivation in Language Learning. A qualitative study of teachers’ views on the importance of including pupils’ interests and real-life context in the teaching of English

Abstract

This study investigates a sample of teachers’ experiences and opinions about including pupils’ interests and real-life context in the teaching of English. The intent of the study is to investigate the importance of choice of topics, teaching methods and learning context in order to enhance pupils’ motivation in language learning. The research question is as follows: To what extent do English teachers emphasize pupils’ interests and real-life context in the teaching of English, and how do they think that this affects pupils’ motivation?”

To answer this research question, I have used a qualitative questionnaire to gain information about English teachers’ experiences and opinions related to this topic. The informants were selected on the basis that they had formal qualification and competence within the subject of English and are working or have worked as English teachers.

The results indicate that the teachers do consider and promote pupils’ interests in their teaching. Furthermore, they try to relate the learning content to real-life contexts such as relevant news, media or happenings in local environment. Most of the informants experience a difference in pupils’ involvement and motivation according to which topic they are working with.