Motivation & Social Learning: What Really Drives Learners Today? (Talking ELT S11 EP1)

Talking ELT’s season 11 examines motivation and social learning in English language teaching, particularly in a digital world. Motivation, often thought deep-seated, can emerge from social connection and enjoyment, yet sustaining it is tough, especially with the digital world’s demand for instant gratification. Technology, while motivating English *use* online, can demotivate *study* in classrooms. Demotivation arises from fear of judgment, rigid grading, and slow progress. Teachers should foster motivation by shifting focus from correctness to successful communication, creating supportive communities, and providing timely, content-focused feedback (e.g., self-reflection, audio) over harsh corrections. Guests Fiona Moshlin, Nick Thorner, and Ed Dudley discuss their paper, “The Human Connection.”