MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES IN SPEAKING FOR THE 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS IN LOWER MOVER CLASSES AT FOREIGN LANGUAGE CENTER A, HANOI =

Abstract

The modern language teaching approach puts a strong emphasis on communicative language teaching and learner-centered activities. Therefore, motivational strategies in speaking have been worldwide applied in English Language Teaching. In teaching English to children in Vietnam, motivational strategies have recently utilized but only in a few learning centers in big cities. In attempts to figure out the motivational strategies applied in speaking lessons, the researcher investigated into the frequency of applying motivational strategies by teachers at center A Hanoi for the 4th and 5th graders in Lower Mover classes and the strategies that motivate learners most as perceived by themselves. A highly visible advantage of motivational strategies for young learners is increasing their speaking skills. As a result, the survey research aims at discovering motivational strategies used by teachers and the frequency of utilized strategies as well as favored strategies according to learners. To answer these questions, two sets of detailed questionnaires were designed for teachers and learners involved in this study. Analysis of data collected among 25 young learners with teachers in charge of Mover Lower classes has revealed that teachers and learners mostly favor the same strategies though they do have their own reasons for some different strategies. Findings of the study provide a reference for teachers and authorities that involve in teaching and monitoring students of the project. Appropriate action for further improvement of the project in the future is suggested at the end of the paper.