4 Steps to English Success - Improve Your Motivation to Study English

Summary

This video from Oxford Online English explores the concept of motivation in English learning, emphasizing that motivation is not an on/off switch but a consequence of life goals, values, and environment. It distinguishes between 'real' and 'fake' motivation, highlighting the importance of setting SMART goals and focusing on progress rather than perfection. The video also discusses the significant impact of one's environment on motivation levels and suggests that taking risks and creating a need for English in daily life can enhance motivation. It concludes by acknowledging the limitations of motivation and the need for realistic goal setting.

Takeaways

• 🚫 Motivation is not an on/off switch; it's influenced by life goals, values, environment, and lifestyle.
• 🌱 Real motivation is deep and internal, unlike 'fake' motivation which is often superficial and temporary.
• ⚠️ Motivation is fragile and can be easily diminished by various life factors, requiring careful maintenance.
• 🎯 Setting SMART goals is crucial for maintaining motivation, as vague goals like 'speaking perfectly' can be demotivating.
• 📈 Focus on improvement rather than perfection; asking 'how can I improve?' simplifies the learning process.
• 🌐 Your environment significantly impacts your motivation; using English daily can naturally enhance your drive to learn.
• 🔄 Both Sam and Alex's stories illustrate the importance of context in maintaining motivation to learn English.
• 🏠 Alex's situation highlights the struggle without immediate needs or consequences for using English, affecting motivation.
• 🔄 To boost motivation, one might need to alter their environment or daily habits to incorporate more English usage.
• 🤔 Taking risks and facing potential failure can create a sense of urgency and necessity for improving English skills.
• 🕒 Recognize personal motivation limits and plan study sessions and goals accordingly to avoid burnout.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the lesson is motivation in English learning, including tips on how to manage motivation for better results.

Why does the speaker suggest that motivation isn't something you can just decide to have?

The speaker suggests that motivation is a consequence of life goals, values, environment, and lifestyle, and cannot be directly changed like an on/off switch.

What is the difference between 'real motivation' and 'fake motivation' as discussed in the transcript?

Real motivation is deep and comes from within, taking time and work to develop. Fake motivation is often external and temporary, like joining a gym out of New Year's resolution but not going consistently.

What are some factors mentioned in the transcript that can kill motivation?

Factors that can kill motivation include a bad teacher, a busy job, a newborn baby who doesn't sleep well, financial worries, and video game addiction.

What does the speaker mean by 'SMART goals' and why are they important for maintaining motivation?

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. They are important for maintaining motivation because they provide clear, achievable targets that help learners track progress and stay motivated.

How does the speaker suggest approaching teaching and setting goals for students?

The speaker suggests focusing on how to improve the student's English rather than worrying about their budgets, time, or starting levels, by asking 'how can I make this person's English better?'

What role does the environment play in motivation according to the transcript?

The environment plays a significant role in motivation as it includes where one lives, works, the kind of work they do, who they interact with, and how they spend their free time.

What are some examples given in the transcript to illustrate the impact of environment on motivation?

The transcript provides examples of Sam, who lives in Amsterdam and uses English daily, and Alex, who lives in Taipei and rarely uses English, to illustrate how the environment can either support or limit motivation.

What advice does the speaker give to Alex to feel more motivated and deal with frustration?

The speaker advises Alex to change his environment to one where he needs to use English daily and to take risks that could potentially lead to failure but are necessary for growth.

Why is it important to understand that motivation is always limited according to the transcript?

Understanding that motivation is always limited helps learners set realistic goals and priorities based on the time and energy they have available, leading to more effective studying and less frustration.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives regarding managing motivation when studying English?

The final piece of advice is to set clear goals, understand one's limits, and use the available motivation and energy effectively, such as having a 30-minute conversation in English every day.