Revised APP abstract

The purpose of this study and research is to compare different methods of motivating English as a Second Language/English Language Learner (ESL/ELL) students in a classroom setting.

Approximately 15-20 second language learners will be invited to participate in this study, after obtaining the approval of the Individual Review Board (IRB), the building principal of Albert Lea High School, and the school’s ESL teacher. Each student will be given a brief survey to determine which type of motivational strategy their teachers use is most effective for them. I will also interview the ESL teacher to find out which specific strategies she uses successfully and which strategies are not as beneficial to her students. If either the students or the ESL teacher would prefer to respond to the survey/interview on tape or via email, I would make those accommodations should the situation arise. This will account for the inclusion of both perspectives (student and teacher) when recording the results of the surveys/interview as well as easing any apprehension about the survey and/or interview process.

After the surveys are collected and the interview has taken place, information will be collected and organized into the different categories of motivation. This will, hopefully, provide personal glimpses into the students’ perceptions of how their teachers motivate them and any possible suggestions for future ESL/ELL learners.