The impact of motivation in SLA: implementing motivational strategies following a TBLT approach

Abstract

Globalisation has increased the peoples’ need to learn English as a FL. Therefore, the conditions of learning and teaching an L2 have changed. In addition, linguistic research has focused on SLA so that the learning and teaching of an L2 can be successful and effective. Consequently, different theories have been proposed and some researchers have focused on studying IDs. Those studies could be considered as one of the clearest advances in the linguistic field since IDs have been proved to be the highest SLA achievement predictors. This paper attempts to explain the most salient IDs that affect FL learning. Special emphasis is placed on cognitive and affective factors, and more specifically on motivation due to its relevance and the variety found in this linguistic area. Therefore, this paper also reviews the most outstanding theories as well as approaches of this individual factor. In order to achieve it, its components, the phases regarding the study of motivation, as well as the different types of motivation are included. Nevertheless, the main goal of this paper is not only to provide the most outstanding insights of motivation, but also to explain the different motivational strategies which might be adopted by teachers in order to potentiate this factor in L2 classrooms. Additionally, it is also shown how a TBLT approach could be an interesting choice to implement them. The practical application of these strategies is illustrated in a teaching proposal following the aforementioned teaching methodology.