A Qualitative Study on the Best Motivational Teaching Strategies in the Context of Oman: Perspectives of EFL Teachers

Abstract

In the pedagogical process, lack of motivation becomes a controversial issue. In this qualitative study, the researcher intended to explore the best motivational teaching strategies from the perspectives of the EFL teachers at Buraimi University College (henceforth BUC) in Oman. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of five EFL teachers in English language department at BUC. The protocol of interview (semi-structured interviews) was conducted for data collection. The obtained data provided by the participants was analysed using qualitative thematic analysis to answer the questions and accomplish the objective of the present study. The findings revealed that motivational strategies would not be applicable in any classroom without creating a helpful, interactive, engaging, and enjoyable environment. The participants of the current study believe in the vital role of playing games in stimulating the interest and enthusiasm of learners as well as giving fun and energetic environment. Besides, it is essential to inspire students with the feelings of a sense of accomplishment through helping them to set realistic goals according to their learning abilities and observe their progress once in a while. However, in any learning environment developing motivation is a difficult task for the teachers because students learn differently and every student is diverse in her way.