Motivational strategies for teaching English language skills : a study of tertiary level teachers

Abstract

In the era of L2 teaching and learning, applying motivational strategies has become an important issue for the L2 teachers of all levels and identifying these motivational strategies is more important for teachers of L2 in tertiary level, specifically. This study attempts to identify the motivational strategies used by the L2 teachers in tertiary level. For this purpose, a qualitative survey has been conducted using the research instruments like interview with L2 teachers of tertiary level, FGD with L2 learners of tertiary level and classroom observations with a checklist. The result of the study shows that rationalizing the importance of learning, giving explanatory and positive feedback during and after performance, setting the proper classroom atmosphere for learning, giving extra care to the weaker and demotivated learners, using real life examples, using up-to-date issues as teaching content, using audio-visual aids, ignoring mistakes until learners become competent to a certain level, using teaching techniques like pair work, group work and project work, arousing interest among the learners to share both in oral and written version, creating competitive environment in the class, building a learning-oriented teacher student relationship, using humor and fun appropriately, creating an anxiety free learning atmosphere, raising high expectation of the learners and doing interaction in and out of the class with the learners are the motivational strategies used by the L2 teachers of tertiary level. The study asserts that appropriate use of the identified motivational strategies in L2 classes will enhance learners’ motivation level in tertiary level.