Motivoimalla monikieliseksi maailmankansalaiseksi

Abstract

This article reviews one of the key concepts involved in the learning and teaching of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), namely, motivation. The article attempts to define motivation and other closely related terminology and outlines developments in research on the issue over the past few decades by summarizing empirical research carried out in Finland and elsewhere. The article draws on the framework of the Douglas Fir Group (2016), and thus, motivation is approached from a variety of starting points: individuals, groups of people, and society, or the concept is viewed from micro, meso and macro levels of society. The article concludes by discussing some practical applications and indicating a need for further education of those involved in MFL teaching to ensure their agency in classrooms and to empower them in pursuing their professional careers.