ERIC Number: EJ1171147
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1307-4733
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Display of Patterns of Change in Learners' Motivation: Dynamics Perspective
Sel?uk, Özge; Erten, Ismail Hakki
Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), v11 n2 p128-141 2017
Getting to understand patterns and causes of motivational changes experienced by language learners while studying a foreign language can be of significant value. This paper aims to explore patterns of such fluctuations at the tertiary level. Through a dynamic systems perspective, this study employed Retrodictive Qualitative Modelling to generate the learner prototypes. The data were then collected from two distinct cases that represent different motivational prototypes. While the first one manages to have a highly intense goal-directed motivation (Directed Motivational Currents- DMC), the second one does not seem to have DMC. Data concerning ebbs and flows of learners' motivation and affective states in the classes were collected through self-plotted motigraphs over six weeks. The results showed a significant difference between the motivational patterns in the two learners. The first one with an identifiable DMC displayed a more stable pattern on the motigraph and the other one drifted aimlessly without a clear focus. The findings of this preliminary study will be discussed in relation to dynamic theories of motivation. Suggestions for further research will be offered.
Descriptors: Learning Motivation, Group Dynamics, Qualitative Research, Predictor Variables, Postsecondary Education, Case Studies, Semi Structured Interviews, Focus Groups, Goal Orientation, Affective Behavior, Attitude Change, Behavior Change, Second Language Learning, Foreign Countries
Children's Research Center-Turkey. Via Tower Is Merkezi, Bestepeler Mahallesi, Nergiz Sokak No 7-35 Sögütözü, Ankara 06530, Turkey. Tel: +90-312-2190219; Fax: +90-312-2190321; e-mail: submissions@novitasroyal.org; Web site: http://www.novitasroyal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A