The majority of recent research on language learning motivation has reportedly focused on English as a target language, typically in relatively homogeneous, secondary and postsecondary "foreign language" settings. How applicable, then, are the theories and findings undergirding that research to our understanding of the contemporary…

This article presents a question and answer session in which Paula Garrett-Rucks discusses how creativity and kinesthetics motivate young language learners, the type of characteristics she might consider for different age groups in planning lessons, her views on the goals of world language teachers of young learners, and what a typical lesson…

There is a wealth of literature examining the role of motivation in second language (L2) learning but remarkably little research that has examined how teachers can foster motivation in the classroom. For this reason alone Guilloteaux and Dornyei's (2008) correlational study of the relationship between motivational strategies and student motivation…

Discusses the nonexistence of explicit reference to the learner's mental, linguistic, and cultural universe in traditional methods of teaching a foreign language and proposes teaching techniques that will facilitate the integration of the learner's local environment in the foreign language class. (AMH)

Articles on encouraging growth in foreign language study focus on the following: "Encouraging the Growth of Foreign Language Study"; "Creating Intrinsic Motivation to Learn World Languages"; "Encouraging Growth by Changing Perception"; "Making the Link Between Enrollment and Learning Goals: A School District's Impact"; "Foreign Language Education:…

Describes a visit made to Sweden to ascertain why Swedish citizens speak such excellent English. Motivation was a key factor. Describes observations of the methods of teaching English as a second language in Swedish schools. Makes recommendations for foreign language teaching in Great Britain based on these observations. (SED)

It is proposed that etymological information, usually provided in native speaker's dictionaries but eliminated from learners' references, can serve several important functions such as disambiguate, relate words that are alphabetically far apart, illuminate by providing an image or reference, and motivate with interesting information. (Author/MSE)

Criticizes Brown's (TESOL Quarterly, 1980) optimal distance model of target language acquisition for having neglected the issue of possibly harmful effects of sociocultural factors upon learners. A distinction is made between second and foreign language learners' motivations. Pedagogic implications are drawn. (Author/AMH)

Describes the lack of importance ascribed to English as a language in Elizabethan times and points out that the popularity of any language resides in its perceived cultural and economic capitol. Draws distinctions between instrumental and integrative motivations and discusses the place of favorable attitudes and positive motivations in language…

Introduces extensive reading as a way of improving students' attitudes and motivation toward English-as-a-Foreign-Language reading as well as improving their proficiency in reading and their English language ability. (Author/VWL)

Discusses a Korean learner's struggle to achieve English language proficiency over a 20-year period using an autobiographical approach. Concentrates on the issues of individual motivation and social learning environments and examines the interactions between this learner's motivation and affect, self-confidence, and environment. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that music and drama offer excellent opportunities for "pleasant repetition," a practice of structures and vocabulary that is motivational and contextualized. (Author/VWL)

Translation can be useful in teaching advanced students to make decisions about structure, assess the communicative consequences of those decisions, assess perceptions of language contrasts, and increase feelings for communicative appropriateness. Two methods are suggested: word-for-word or "spoof" translation, and back translation. (Author/MSE)

Research in psycholinguistics and learning theory is reviewed to support the integration of oral and written language skills, and the language experience approach (LEA) is recommended for secondary school second language instruction. This approach incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing in purposeful communication. Students use the…

Directs attention to the varieties of oral communication in the language classroom by discussing four aspects of this communication: (1) whether it is necessary or unnecessary; (2) whether it is obligatory or non-obligatory; (3) whether it is interesting or uninteresting; and (4) whether it is embarrassing or not. (SED)