VIETTESOL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2025

Motivation is a core element that help people succeed in a certain field. However, most of students lack inspiration to learn English now because they are only taught with pre-prepared and pre-determined textbooks whether they are their favorite topic or not . Instead of learning for passion or love, they learn English since it is a compulsory subject in curriculum. Therefore, their achievement is quite low. According to Self Determination Theory, autonomy is one of three core factors that help people feel intrinsically motivated and happy when learning. Autonomy is the ability and right to choose, decide and control one’s own actions without being forced from outside. In this case, teacher plays a role of a guide, provider, supporter and inspirer. In the next school year, I will offer students more choices about choosing topics, tasks or project format and provide more options in assignments like written report, presentation or video at the beginning as well as introduce learning strategies for them to choose. When learners have autonomy, they tend to choose their interest topics, materials or learning methods. As a result, they will learn voluntarily, completely immerse in their learning, and recognize relationship between lessons and real life make English learning more meaningful. Finally, implication and recommendation are drawn to help English learners have autonomy in their learning to promote their intrinsic motivation.

Key words: Intrinsic Motivation, Autonomy, Right, Voluntarily, Interest.