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Part of
Individual Differences and Task-Based Language Teaching
Edited by Shaofeng Li
[Task-Based Language Teaching 16] 2024
► pp. 198–227

Chapter 7
A review of learner motivation and engagement research in task-based language teaching

 | Georgia State University
 | Georgia State University
This chapter presents a systematic review of 54 studies on learner motivation and engagement in the research domain of TBLT. The review focuses on various learner (e.g., first language), contextual (e.g., institution), and task (e.g., task modality) characteristics in previous research. The operationalizations of learner motivation and engagement in TBLT as well as the main themes of the findings in previous studies are investigated. The results of our analysis revealed that learner motivation and engagement research in TBLT have examined a limited scope of learner groups, contexts, and task features. Further, studies have adopted diverse operationalizations to capture the multi-componential nature of the two constructs. In terms of the tools used to investigate learner motivation in TBLT, research has heavily relied on questionnaires and verbal reports. The findings suggest a need for more longitudinal research and more research using a bottom-up approach to examine the two constructs.
Keywords: learner motivation, engagement, task-based language teaching, research review
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Learner motivation in task-based research
  • Task engagement
  • The relationship between learner motivation and engagement in TBLT
  • Methods
    • Inclusion criteria and search techniques
    • Data coding
  • Results
  • Research question 1: What are the characteristics of learners, contexts, and tasks in previous research on learner motivation and engagement in TBLT?
  • Research question 2: How has learner motivation and engagement been operationalized in previous TBLT research?
    • Operationalizations of learner motivation in TBLT
    • Operationalizations of task engagement
  • Research question 3: What are the main findings of previous learner motivation and engagement research in TBLT?
    • Main findings on learner motivation in task-based research
    • Main findings in task engagement research
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 6 June 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/tblt.16.07nam
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Ellis, Rod
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Li, Shaofeng
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Willis, Jane
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