Relevance of goal theories to language learning research. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Minhye; Bong, Mimi
• Is Part Of: System. Volume 86(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Motivation -- Language learning -- Achievement goal -- Goal-setting -- Future time perspective; Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Langage et langues -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 407
• DOI: 10.1016/j.system.2019.102122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0346-251X

Abstract

Abstract: As the need to acquire a second/foreign language has increased steadily, a growing body of research has investigated the role of motivation in language education. In this review, we focus on the goal construct, which plays a critical regulatory function in motivational processes. We provide an overview of the two most widely accepted goal theories in motivation literature, the goal-setting and achievement goal theories, and then introduce relevant empirical findings that demonstrate the applicability of these theories to language learning research. We also introduce general motivation theories with a significant bearing on the goal construct, including self-determination theory, future time perspective, and mindset theory. We end this review with the theoretical and practical implications of goal theories in language education and research.