Speaker
Description
In this presentation, the author investigates the influence of course type – elective versus mandatory – on motivation, from both the learner and teacher perspectives in a Japanese University educational setting. The author utilizes a mixed methods study to draw on qualitative interview data from teachers, and both qualitative and quantitative data from student reflections. Survey data were collected from 279 students, and four adjunct lecturers were interviewed. The analysis explores how motivation fluctuates depending on the nature of the course. Referring to motivation theories such as self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), content-based instruction (Brinton, Snow & Wesche, 1989) and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (1978) the host aims to illuminate how different course types contribute to or detract from intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, from the perspectives of both students and teachers. The basic findings were that teaching elective classes did have a motivating effect on them, however maintaining a sustainable balance in teacher workload is crucial to upholding motivation.
Biography
Jon Mahoney is a lecturer in English education at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. Originally from the UK, he has been teaching English in Japan for over 17 years. In that time, he has gained great experience teaching many different ages and types of learners. He achieved an M.Ed in TESOL from Sheffield Hallam University in 2018. His main research interests include English as a lingua franca, CLIL and developing critical thinking skills. He has previously presented in conferences in countries such as Austria, Thailand and Cambodia, as well as been an online keynote speaker to a conference in Ukraine. He is also particularly interested in creating engaging, discussion-based classroom activities that encourage students to communicate confidently, collaborate effectively, and develop practical academic and intercultural communication skills for an increasingly globalized world. Currently, he is engaging in research in areas such as motivation, curriculum dveleopment and translanguaging.
| Affiliate type | University |
|---|