Creating a Motivating Classroom Environment

Abstract

This chapter addresses the complex question of what makes a motivating classroom environment. Understanding the full psychological tapestry of classroom life calls for an interdisciplinary approach and, accordingly, this chapter draws on research from a number of different areas within the social sciences, most notably group dynamics, motivational psychology, and from both educational studies and second language research. The assumption underlying the chapter is that the motivating character of the learning context can be enhanced through conscious intervention by the language teacher, and as such, key facets of this environment will be presented and discussed with this proactive and practical objective in mind. The key concepts which will be addressed include group cohesiveness and interpersonal relations, group norms and student roles, teacher leadership styles and the process of facilitation, as well as the main phases of a proactive, motivational teaching practice.