PEDAGOGICAL EXCELLENCE OR HOW TO MAINTAIN STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING ENGLISH AT UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Motivation in learning is one of the bases for effective study of a subject. In this paper the author examines the approaches of the foreign specialists in the sphere of psychological-pedagogical aspects of teaching foreign languages. Motivation for learning the English language in higher education institutions is defined as a transitive concept, i.e. it depends both on students and teachers. The article is based on the statement that motivation involves the four elements: the reasons why the students learn, the strength of their desire to learn a subject, the teacher’s knowledge of the kind of students they are, the task and students’ estimation of what it requires of them. The paper lays emphasis on the methods of generating and maintaining interest in English. The author calls attention both to psychological peculiarities of the teacher-student interaction and the tasks favoring students’ motivation. Such factors as teacher’s enthusiasm for his/her work, his/her ability to build trust-based relations with students, to create a relaxed atmosphere in class play an important role. In the article some types of tasks based on audiovisual materials and fiction are presented. Learning built around intrigue and problematic questions can be considered the most effective means of promoting motivation. The necessity of learner autonomy is also backed up for the purpose of the development of students’ activity and independence. All the aforementioned strategies aimed at fostering and keeping motivation alive can open additional possibilities for a conscious approach to learning English at university.