How to Motivate ESL Students: 10 Sure-Fire Ways to Inspire Learning

Teaching English as a foreign language comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to keeping students motivated. Whether you’re teaching online or in person, figuring out how to motivate ESL students can be the difference between a classroom filled with energy and engagement or one where students are counting down the minutes. Let’s explore 10 proven strategies to keep your students motivated and engaged.

Strategy 1: Set clear goals with your students

Goal setting is fundamental for keeping track of students’ progress, building students’ self-esteem and confidence, and keeping students motivated. Goals give students purpose, so establishing clear, achievable goals for your students is crucial. At the beginning of a course, work with your students to set both short-term and long-term goals. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

For example, a short-term goal might be to learn 10 new vocabulary words related to a particular topic by the end of the week, while a long-term goal could be to improve speaking fluency by 20 percent over the course of a semester. Setting goals helps students see their progress and gives them a sense of accomplishment, which is a great motivator.

Read about eight engaging ESL vocabulary games for teaching in person or online.

Strategy 2: Incorporate interactive and fun activities

Learning a new language should be enjoyable! Incorporating interactive and fun activities into your lessons can significantly boost motivation. Activities like role-playing, language games, and storytelling not only make learning more enjoyable but also help students practice English in a practical, engaging context. Games and activities can enliven in-person or online classes for children, teens, and adults.

For online classes, use tools like breakout rooms for group discussions or interactive quizzes to keep the energy high, and many games that can be played in the physical classroom can also be used in the online classroom as well using gaming platforms and other tech tools.

Explore interactive ESL games for kids and teens and fun and easy ESL games for adults.

Strategy 3: Provide regular and constructive feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for motivating students. It’s important to provide regular, constructive feedback that highlights students’ strengths while also offering guidance on areas for improvement. Positive feedback can boost a student’s confidence and motivate them to keep going, while constructive feedback helps them understand where they need to focus more effort. For example, instead of simply correcting a student’s grammar mistake, explain why the correction is necessary and offer similar examples. This approach not only helps students improve but also makes them feel supported in their learning journey.

Want to know more about giving effective feedback? Learn about constructive strategies in the Error Correction in the EFL Classroom Micro-credential course.

Strategy 4: Create a supportive learning environment

A supportive and positive classroom environment can significantly impact a student’s learning motivation. Make sure to foster an atmosphere where students feel safe to make mistakes and ask questions. Encourage peer support and collaboration by organizing group projects or peer review sessions. This not only helps students learn from each other but also builds a sense of community within the classroom. In an online setting, consider using forums or discussion boards to facilitate communication and support among students.

Strategy 5: Personalize the learning experience

Every student has different interests, strengths, and areas for improvement. Personalizing the learning experience can go a long way in keeping students motivated. Tailor your lessons to incorporate topics and materials that are relevant to your students’ interests and real-life situations. For instance, if a student is interested in music, use song lyrics to teach vocabulary or grammar. By making the content relatable, you increase students’ likelihood of being engaged and motivated to learn.

For Business English learners, this is particularly true. Personalizing learning and tying it to career goals motivates learners as they master the English skills they’ll be using on the job. Language acquisition tied to career goals can also motivate learners as their job opportunities and earning potential grow.

Learn about hyper-personalizing Business English teaching with AI.

Strategy 6: Use technology to enhance learning

Technology offers endless possibilities for enhancing the learning experience and keeping students motivated. Incorporate multimedia resources like videos, podcasts, and interactive apps to make lessons more engaging. For example, use video clips from popular movies or TV shows to teach conversational English. Embracing technology not only makes learning more interesting but also equips students with skills that are essential in the modern world.

Learn about creating engaging multimedia content for Business English learners.

Strategy 7: Encourage autonomous learning

Encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning can be highly motivating. Teach students how to set personal study goals and find resources that can help them achieve these goals outside of class. This could include recommending English language apps, websites, or books that align with their interests. Encouraging autonomous learning not only helps students improve more quickly but also builds independence and confidence in their language abilities. This strategy is particularly effective in online learning environments, where students may have more control over their learning pace and schedule.

Read about ways to empower your students with the flipped classroom approach.

Strategy 8: Celebrate achievements

Celebrating achievements, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator. Recognize and celebrate milestones in your students’ learning journey, whether it’s mastering a new set of vocabulary words, improving pronunciation, or successfully completing a challenging assignment. This could be done through verbal praise, certificates, or even a classroom leaderboard. Celebrating achievements gives students a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue working hard.

Read about tips for mastering the art of feedback for ESL students.

Strategy 9: Connect lessons to real-life situations

When students see how learning English can directly impact their daily lives, they are more likely to stay motivated. Incorporate real-life scenarios into your lessons, such as ordering food in a restaurant, job interviews, or travel-related conversations. This not only makes learning more practical but also shows students the tangible benefits of improving their English skills.

Strategy 10: Highlight the benefits of learning English

Remind students of the many benefits of learning English, such as improved job prospects, the ability to travel and communicate with people from different cultures, and access to a wealth of information and entertainment. Understanding the broader benefits of language learning can be a powerful motivator for students. As a teacher, sharing your own experiences of how learning English has benefited you or others can also inspire and motivate your students.

Motivating ESL students is both an art and a science. By implementing these strategies, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that keeps your students motivated and eager to learn.

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