Dynamic System Theory & Motivation
True or False: Motivation in language learning is static and remains the same over time.
False. Motivation is dynamic and fluctuates over time.
What are the three main tools used to collect data for the study?
Interviews/standardized tests/classroom observation
Motometer/ classroom observation/motivation+attitude questionnaire
Potometer/ student feedback/interviews
2. Motometer/classroom observation/ motivation+attitude questionnaire
True or False: Were these the research questions the study tried to answer?
(a) Can we demonstrate variability in students' L2 motivation?
(b) Is there a detectable stable level of students' in-class motivation?
(c) If both of these are demonstrated, can they be accounted for by the classroom context?
True.
True or False: Pre-lesson events have little impact on students’ initial motivation.
False.
According to DST, which of the following best describes how motivation works?
Motivation is a stable trait
Motivation follows a linear pattern
Motivation fluctuates unpredictably but can have stable patterns over time
3. Motivation fluctuates unpredictably but can have stable patterns over time
What are the two target language classes involved in the study?
Mandarin/Spanish
German/French
Spanish/German
3. Spanish/German
What did the study reveal about student motivation in a single classroom session?
1. It remains stable throughout the lesson
2. It only changes due to teacher influence
3. It shows considerable ups and downs
4. It is the same for all students
3. It shows considerable ups and downs
Why did Nina and Irene’s motivation spike at the end of one lesson?
1. They finally understood the topic
2. They received extra credit
3. They were excited that school was almost over
4. They had a surprise test
3. They were excited that school was almost over
True or False: An attractor state is a stable motivational pattern that learners tend to return to over time.
True. e.g. It being the last class on a Friday/Boris’s love of the Spanish teacher
True or False:
During the Motometer study, motivation was calculated through the questions “How much effort do I want to put into learning the material right now?” and “How much do I enjoy this lesson right now?”
True.
Why can group-level motivation data be misleading?
1. It only reflects the teacher's expectations
2. It does not capture individual variation
3. It shows uniform trends across all students
4. It ignores external classroom factors
2. It does not capture individual variation
Why was Boris consistently motivated in Spanish class?
1. He found Spanish easy
2. He enjoyed grammar exercises
3. He had a positive attitude toward the teacher
4. He disliked other subjects
3. He had a positive attitude toward the teacher
What is the relationship between short-term and long-term motivation?
Short-term motivation does not affect long-term motivation
Short-term motivation has the possibility to shape and reinforce long-term motivation
Long-term motivation is independent and fixed
2. Short-term motivation has the possibility to shape and reinforce long-term motivation
What is the interval at which the measurements of motivation are taken during the motometer?
5mins
8mins
10mins
1. 5mins
What role do teachers play in motivation, according to the study?
1. They have no major influence on student motivation
2. Their influence is temporary and fades after the lesson
3. They only influence motivation when giving tests
4. They can act as strong motivational attractors or repellents
4. They can act as strong motivational attractors or repellents
What caused Connor’s motivation to drop suddenly in Spanish class?
1. He was hit by a dictionary
2. He was confused by the lesson
3. He was nervous about a test
4. He forgot his homework
1. He was hit by a dictionary