This study examines what motivates newly arrived students to study English while atthe same time immersed in and studying Swedish as a second language, both coresubjects and necessary to attend higher education. The question arises since manystudents fail to pass the English course in secondary school but at the same time manageto pass the course in Swedish as a second language. The study was performed with help of a questionnaire with close-endedquestions that was handed out to 30 students studying Swedish as a second languageand English as a third language, in upper secondary school. The motivational theoryused in the study was the L2 Motivational Self System, which is divided in threemotivational categories: the Ideal L2 Self, the Ought-to L2 Self and the L2 learningexperience, in this study referred to as the Ideal L3 Self, the Ought-to L3 self and the L3learning experience. The result shows that what primarily motivate these students are the L3 learningexperience. The study also shows that these students seem to see English as somethingthat is important only if they have an intention to travel, study or work overseas.

Motivation is one of the strongest predictors of success in learning a foreign language. Although it has been discussed extensively, most studies have examined large world languages. This paper brings new insight into the motivation to learn Czech as a second language in the context of study abroad at Charles University in Prague. First, the theoretical part introduces essential theoretical frameworks of motivation in applied linguistics from a historical perspective, including the L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS) chosen for the empirical part. Secondly, study abroad as a language learning context is described, and literature on motivation to learn L2 in this context is reviewed. The methodology chapter summarizes possible approaches to research language learning motivation and assesses their suitability for the presented research. The empirical part examines the dynamic process of motivation among students coming for one semester to study in the Erasmus+ program at the Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, and in the American program UPCES (Undergraduate Program in Central European Studies) Study Abroad, Charles University. The data collection tools (diaries, questionnaires, and interviews) were tested in preliminary research. It was revealed that there is a relatively significant change...

The aim of this paper is to investigate in which manner and to what extent the existence of a multilingual self, that is, the ability of an individual to adopt a vision of themselves that encompasses many languages, relates to different aspects, such as the will to improve one’s linguistic ability or motivation to study, within learning and acquisition of second languages. The idea of a multilingual self has its theoretical base within the Second language motivational self system, or the L2MSS for short, which states that motivation is primarily derived from one’s vision of self and one’s previous experiences.  The investigation was carried out using custom made surveys which were distributed among university students of Spanish in Sweden. The investigation received 42 answered surveys in return using which several separate comparisons were carried out with the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.  The findings of the investigation have shown that the multilingual self has a positive correlation in every single one of the aspects used in the investigation. Therefore, according to the results of this investigation, the identification with the multilingual self has a positive correlation with learning and acquisition of second languages. The biggest factor that leads to a larger possibility of an individual to identify with the multilingual self seems to be said individuals experience of learning the languages that they possess. / El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar de qué manera y en qué medida la existencia de un yo multilingüe, es decir, la capacidad de un individuo para adoptar una visión de sí mismo que abarca muchas lenguas, se relaciona con diferentes aspectos, tales como la voluntad de mejorar su capacidad en sus lenguas o la motivación para estudiar y aprender otras lenguas. La idea de un yo multilingüe tiene su base teórica dentro del sistema del yo motivacional de segundas lenguas, o L2MSS por sus siglas en inglés, que establece que la motivación se deriva principalmente de la visión que uno tiene de sí mismo y de las experiencias previas. La investigación se llevó a cabo a través de encuestas personalizadas que se distribuyeron entre estudiantes universitarios de español en Suecia. La investigación recibió 42 encuestas respondidas, las cuales fueron analizadas mediante el uso de métodos tanto cuantitativos como cualitativos. Los resultados de la investigación han demostrado que el yo multilingüe tiene una correlación en todos y cada uno de los aspectos utilizados en la investigación. Por tanto, según los resultados de esta investigación, la identificación con el yo multilingüe tiene una correlación positiva con el aprendizaje y adquisición de segundas lenguas. El factor más importante que conduce a una mayor posibilidad de que un individuo se identifique con el yo multilingüe parece ser la experiencia de aprendizaje que poseen.

The shift toward bilingualism and multilingualism in historically monolingual societies resulting from globalization has positioned second/foreign language (L2) learning research as a significant field. Extensive research in L2 motivation over decades has demonstrated motivation to be a significant determiner of L2 learning achievement and has yielded many sound L2 motivation theories and frameworks. The latest L2 motivation framework is the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) offered by Dörnyei (2005, 2009). Numerous studies have been conducted to validate this theory in different English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts (e.g., in China, Iran and Japan: (Taguchi, Magid & Papi, 2009); in Hungary: (Csizér & Kormos, 2009); in Saudi Arabia: (Al-Shehri, 2009); and in Turkey: (Thompson & Erdil-Moody, 2014). Studies have found the theory sufficiently elaborate to explain the multifaceted L2 motivation in its dynamic nature. This study utilized the theoretical framework of L2MSS to examine L2 learners’ motivation. Due to the importance of motivation in L2 learning and achievement, research focusing on EFL instructors’ use of motivation-enhancing strategies has gained significance. To fill a longstanding gap in L2 research for a unified and systematic motivational strategies framework for teachers, Dörnyei (2001) offered the Motivational Teaching Practice in the L2 Classrooms Model (MTP) – which offers various strategies that L2 teachers can use to enhance student motivation. The current study used this MTP theoretical framework to investigate L2 teachers’ motivational teaching practice. However, how the L2MSS could be integrated into the motivational teaching practice has not been adequately studied and requires further examination. Moreover, most language teacher education programs lack motivational teaching practice training for pre-service L2 teachers. Consequently, the present study aims to fill the gap in L2 research by examining a) how to promote EFL instructors’ motivational teaching practice through a training program on motivation-enhancing strategies within the L2MSS framework; b) how L2 teachers’ consistent and systematic use of motivation-enhancing strategies within this framework impact students’ motivated learning behaviors. Another way this study contributes to L2 research is by offering both quantitative and qualitative empirical data in an understudied EFL context, Turkey, concerning the relationship between motivational teaching practice and learner motivation. The study employed a mixed-methods experimental design. The researcher collected data from February 2015 to June 2015, coordinating and delivering the teacher workshops, and analyzing and interpreting the data. The data involve various sources: self-report questionnaires from L2 teachers and students, classroom observations of teachers’ motivational teaching practice and students’ motivated learning behaviors, semi-structured interviews with teachers and students, teachers’ strategy logs and reflective journals. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis procedures were employed to analyze the data. The self-report questionnaire data were analyzed via exploratory factor analyses, Cronbach’s alpha, descriptive statistics, independent and paired samples t-tests; the classroom observation data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA; strategy logs were analyzed using descriptive statistics; and the qualitative data via classroom observations, reflective journals and interviews were analyzed via content analysis. The researcher coded, categorized, themed, and analyzed the data separately. This study intends to a) contribute to the L2 motivation research, b) offer pedagogical recommendations for motivational teaching practice to promote learner motivation within the L2MSS framework, c) contribute to the pre-service L2 teacher training to promote motivational teaching practice. The results showed that instructors’ and students’ perceptions of instructors’ use of motivational strategies demonstrated both differences and similarities, indicating that both groups have varying perceptions in regards to instructors’ motivational teaching practice. An overall analysis of the MTP across 25 different EAP classes showed an average use of motivational strategies excluding any of the recently suggested strategies that enhance the L2 self guides (the ideal L2 self and the ought-to L2 self) of learners grounded in the L2MSS theory. The classroom observation and L2 motivation data that were collected in both experimental and control groups before and after the treatment showed that instructors who received motivational teaching workshop started using more varieties of strategies more often and in a more consistent way compared to the control group instructors who did not receive any treatment. Similarly, experimental group students in the classes where instructors used more consistent and varied motivational strategies demonstrated more motivated classroom behaviors compared to the control group students. Experimental group instructors’ reflective journals and strategy logs also indicated an increased awareness of MTP and more conscious effort in trying to vary their motivational strategy use and develop their own consistent MTP. The interviews with the experimental group instructors showed that instructors were more confident in their MTP, more conscious in their choice of motivation-enhancing strategies and lesson and material design that address learners’ ideal L2 selves. They all expressed that participating in the study including but not limited to taking the MTP workshop, implementing those strategies in their classes, continuous feedback and discussion sessions with the other experimental group instructors and the researcher, writing the reflecting journals and the strategy logs were altogether helped them to a great deal creating a “transformational experience like a wake-up call” in their teaching. Interviews with the students revealed that experimental group students were happier in their EAP class this semester compared to their previous pre-requisite EAP class because they were kept more motivated, engaged and active throughout the semester. They found their instructors as the most motivating factor on their motivation and achievement this semester.

In Swedish schools the education should stimulate students’ creativity, curiosity and self-confidence, as well as provide security and generate the will and desire to learn. Therefore, the aim of this case study is to investigate the area of motivation and how motivation is affected by the usage of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Initially, the theoretical foundation for the research, including scaffolding and important theories of second language learner motivation, are outlined and defined. The Process Motivational Model (PMM), is used as a framework to investigate key aspects of motivation in language learning by using two different pedagogical approaches. Our findings show a rise in key aspects of motivation when using CLIL. The learning environment changes positively, and the learner engagement increases when the content of the lesson is fun and authentic. The major conclusions from the results of the case study are that (i) the students were more intrinsically motivated during CLIL-lessons and the L2 learners efforts improved, (ii) the combination of the curricular subject matter Geography and English increased the interest to learn, (iii) the motivation of the students that were passive or interruptive during the non-CLIL lessons increased significantly during the CLIL-lessons (iiii) and the feelings of competence and self-worth increased after the CLIL-lessons. This study is a qualitative case study based on observations, focus groups and a teacher interview in an elementary school in Sweden.

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the role that textbooks have within the subject of English in Swedish secondary school, years 7-9, and the psychological impact textbooks may or may not have on pupil language learning. Theories used in this study support the fact that pupils who are able to independently develop their language skills are more successful language learners, including the self-efficacy theory, theories about motivation, i.e. the Self-Determination Theory and the L2 Motivational Self System, and learning independence. Mixed methodology was applied to extract both quantitative and qualitative data. In this study, three Swedish EFL teachers from years 7-9 were interviewed to determine their attitudes towards textbook use during their everyday teaching and their views on how textbooks impact their pupils’ achievements of self-efficacy and independence. Additionally, 212 Swedish pupils in years 7-9 answered questions on their perception of their textbooks through a digital questionnaire. The interviewed teachers, as well as the pupils’ responses, showed reservations regarding textbook usage, especially regarding the ability for pupils to relate to textbook content, and the lack of support for pupils with learning disabilities (e.g.,dyslexia). Pupils also responded that they were not using their respective textbooks independently. Analysis of the results shows that textbooks, whether digital or printed, are not useful EFL learning tools on their own, as they do not fully support pupil self-learning. Most notably, the interviewed teachers and the pupils’ responses both signal a lack of relatedness in the contents of their textbooks. Future studies should focus on intrinsic motivation through pupil perceptions of relatedness in textbooks

This essay aims to examine the applicability and relevance of subjective reader response in relation to second language (L2) motivation within literature education in the classroom of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). With support from previous research within the field of reader response theory (RRT), this essay argues that a subjective reader response approach contributes to increasing students’ motivation in relation to literature education Thus, this essay answers the following questions: 1) Does subjective reader response contribute to creating motivation among students in EFL (literature) teaching, and if so, how can this theory be implemented? 2) Does subjective reader response support students’ construction of what Zoltán Dörnyei refers to as “Ideal L2 self”? 3) What are the main benefits of using a reader response approach? The results support the hypothesis that a subjective reader response approach contributes to increasing students’ motivation in relation to literature education. Additionally, the study shows that the self-explorative nature of subjective reader response enables students to construct their “Ideal L2 self”.

Motivation always attracts language teachers’ attention as one of the most significant factors for second language learning. In the past decades, motivational studies have experienced transitions and developments, and various studies investigated language learning motivation. (Dörnyei and Ryan, 2015) However, those motivational studies indicate that research outcomes vary depending on languages, contexts, and individuals, and understanding L2 learning motivation requires investigations at the local level.<div>This study examined the motivation of Japanese learners at a large state university in the Midwestern United States by asking them to respond to an online survey with eleven motivational factors that include the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei, 2005, 2009) and the anti-ought-to L2 self (Thompson & Vásquez, 2015). <div>The main findings are as follows. First, attitude towards leaning Japanese, classroom support, the ideal L2 self, and the anti-ought-to L2 self had significant relationships with students’ intended effort. Second, rather than how long/in which course students study, why/for what they are learning Japanese makes the most significant differences in their motivation. Third, the ought-to L2 self might not be the best motivational factor for learning Japanese since characteristics of Japanese are different from those of English, which is widely used around the world. Fourth, interest in Japanese anime, manga, and games did not correlate with participants’ ideal L2 self and intended effort although interest in the other cultural items showed moderate correlations with those factors. Fifth, the longer/higher-level their learning experience became, the less interest participants showed in Japanese anime, manga, and pop culture, indicating that their interest in these cultural aspects began to vary and shifted to the other aspects of Japanese culture. </div><div>The main pedagogical implications suggested by the study are that there is a need to help students to set realistic goals and visualize future self-image with the Japanese language so that they can continue learning regardless of the course level or length of study, and teachers should consider at which stages their students are, and on the basis of that, decide how much anime and manga to incorporate into their lessons.</div></div>