NECTFL Review: Number 96, March 2026
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE |
Open Access | ![]()
Motivating Elementary School Students to Learn World Languages: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
Joyce Liu, Scarsdale High School (NY)
Weihua Niu, Pace University (NY)
Pages: 59–77 | First Published: March 2026 | https://doi.org/10.17613/s71yc-4bn32
Abstract
Early foreign language learning increases the likelihood of later proficiency and supports cognitive skills such as memory and problem-solving. Motivation is a critical factor in shaping outcomes, and classroom activities play a central role in fostering it. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, this exploratory sequential mixed-methods study investigated classroom activities in Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) contexts. Study 1 used teacher interviews and classroom observations to identify five activity types, which informed a survey in Study 2. Sixty-one fifth-grade students reported on their engagement, motivation, and home language background. Analyses included mixed-design ANOVAs, correlations, and thematic coding. Results showed that multilingual students had higher intrinsic motivation, cultural and creative activities engaged intrinsically motivated learners, and games enhanced extrinsic motivation. Interactive, movement-based tasks also reduced anxiety and promoted participation. Findings highlight the importance of diverse activities to sustain motivation in elementary language learning.