Motivare a motivare: strategie motivazionali per gli alunni di lingua straniera nella secondaria di primo grado

In this study a mixed-methods design is used to investigate the perception of motivational strategies among Italian middle school students (aged 13). 162 participants completed a questionnaire on strengths and weaknesses of their language class and the importance of motivational strategies. Results confirm the cross-cultural relevance of strategies related to teachers’ attitude and the creation of a positive learning environment. Notably, the strategies that entail the use of a living language, as well as of authentic material, appear to play a distinctive role for Italian students. These findings support earlier research and highlight how teachers are in the best position to shape classroom environment, thus suggesting the need to include motivational strategies in their formation, and to strengthen them in cases in which they are present.