Directed Motivational Currents (DMCs) are highly intense goal-directed motivational experiences that are characterised by establishing new routines and having positive emotions. The present study aimed to identify the factors that triggered the launch of DMCs among EFL learners. An interview protocol designed based on the core dimensions of the…

There has been a new fad rising in English learning among older Chinese people. By making their motivations clear, we can figure out ways to assist and facilitate their learning. The purpose of this study is to explore the motivations and objectives based on the Self-Determined Theory. To obtain comprehensive data for the study,…

Researchers in the scholarship of teaching and learning are converging on the need to examine deeper motivational processes. This research addresses the conceptual and methodological issues identified in the learning literature. Using situated learning theory and motivational theory we develop hypotheses related to the perceived relational quality…

Directed motivational currents (DMCs) are goal-directed motivational surges in pursuit of a much-desired personal outcome. This book introduces the reader to cutting-edge theory and research in second language learner motivation and presents empirical research which investigates DMCs in the context of language learning. The studies explore the…

This dissertation describes a program of research encompassing three studies that focused on examining the effects of enhanced expectancies and perceptions of success on motor learning. OPTIMAL theory (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2016) proposes that practice manipulations that enhance a learner's expectations for future successful outcomes lead to…

This paper explores how learning analytics data provided by a math problem-solving educational technology platform informed 5th and 6th grade teachers' instructional decisions around socioemotional learning (SEL). MathSpring is an educational technology tool that provides teachers with data on students' effort, progress, and emotions while…

Although badges are among the most-used game elements in gamified education, studies about their optimal features to motivate learning are scarce. How should a badge be designed to represent an incentive for a specific goal like optimal exam preparation? This study examines usage data of a higher education learning app to determine whether the…

This study examines the predictive effects of motivational beliefs and self-efficacy on multiple dimensions of self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies in English as a foreign language (EFL) writing. Undergraduate students (n = 389) were recruited voluntarily from four universities in mainland China. They were invited to complete a set of…

Based on the achievement goal theory, this experimental study explored the influence of predictive and descriptive learning analytics dashboards on graduate students' motivation and statistics anxiety in an online graduate-level statistics course. Participants were randomly assigned into one of three groups: (1) predictive dashboard; (2)…

Recent studies elaborating on the L2 learning experience component of the L2 Motivational Self System (Dörnyei, 2005, 2009), especially through a narrative identity perspective, mark a new direction in L2 motivation research. This paper extends this work by exploring the connection between the L2 learning experience and ideal L2 self components.…

Children possess different beliefs regarding their ability to succeed in math and science, as well as different levels of enjoyment and interest in these topics. These motivational processes are important because they often shape learning-related behaviours which in turn predict academic outcomes, over and above previous performance. But, what are…

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) students' learning motivation and learning outcomes in a blended learning environment. A questionnaire was administered to 960 EFL students, and 10 of them participated in an interview. Following a series of analyses on the data collected…

To promote and enhance self-determination, the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) was developed for teachers to teach students the skills needed to engage in goal-directed actions. The SDLMI was originally designed to be delivered by teachers, but technologies are emerging that can provide an alternative medium to delivering…

This introductory paper to the special issue of "High Ability Studies" aims to provide a "guide for the perplexed" relating to self-regulated learning (SRL) theory, research, and applications. We begin by defining SRL and its key cyclical stages and criterial attributes. We move on to discuss a number of motivational and…

Mental imagery of 'future selves' is considered a powerful means for motivating learners, and also teachers, whose own motivation is an important basis for the creation of engaging teaching-learning environments. This multiple case study accompanied Chilean novice teachers of English over 18 months and explores the use of visualizations of teacher…