Motivation plays a key role in achieving success in language acquisition. However, motivation levels in language learners fluctuate over time. An important role of foreign and second language teachers therefore is to maintain high levels of motivation among their learners. Materials that teachers use play a large part in this. This presentation will begin with a short overview of a longitudinal, mixed methods study which investigated the ways in which the language learner motivation of 550 tertiary students changed over the course of a one-year language course and the causes for these changes. From there, the talk will focus on the design of language tasks which reflect the core principles of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) and English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), two approaches that arguably help to develop motivation in language learners. Along with examples of materials that feature TBLT and ELF approaches, there will also be reference to some of the challenges that teachers can expect when trying to implement these approaches in their classrooms, and how to overcome them. Although the talk will be grounded in theory, the main focus will be on practice.
Justin Harris is a professor at Kindai University in Osaka Japan, and he has been a language teacher for over 20 years. His research interests center around methodologies that encourage learner motivation, including task-based language teaching (TBLT) and English as a lingua franca. Justin is cofounder of the JALT TBLT special interest group which is focused on bridging the gap between TBLT research and classroom implementation. He has also published a number of ELT textbooks including the OnTask and Talking Point series for ABAX.
There is a short drink/snack/rest break midway through the event.
This is a face-to-face event sponsored by JALT Gunma Chapter.
