Analysis ESL teachers' motivational strategies in virtual classrooms: a study in Bangladeshi EFL context

Abstract

Motivation is one of the most critical factors that determine success in foreign language/second language learning. Because of its importance, L2 motivation is considered a great area of interest for researchers and practitioners. The use of motivational strategies in English language classroom can certainly improve learners' performance. In a distance education context, a teacher must know effective motivational teaching strategies. This study investigated the key motivational strategies that primary ESL teachers use to motivate their learners in virtual classrooms. The study adopted a mixed-method to collect data from 36 ESL teachers. The participants were divided into two groups realising the risk that the participants who rated some strategies as 'important'; might be hesitant to acknowledge to which extent they utilised these strategies in their classrooms. (First group=14; second group=22). Quantitative surveys measured the 'importance' and 'frequency' of using motivational strategies in the virtual classroom, which was later followed by a focus group interview with the selected teachers. This research highlights important motivational strategies perceived by the teachers, most utilised and underutilised motivational strategies, and teachers' overall perceptions regarding the use of motivational strategies in virtual classrooms.