Why language learners may be motivated yet lack investment in the classroom
In short: Researchers Darvin and Norton highlight a critical distinction in how we understand why people learn new languages. They found that a student can possess high levels of motivation to learn a language while simultaneously lacking investment in the specific social practices or communities where that language is taught.
The authors argue that while motivation focuses on the desire to learn, investment considers how power dynamics and social identities influence a learner's engagement. They note that learners might withdraw investment if classroom practices feel exclusionary, such as being elitist or biased, even if their underlying drive to learn remains strong.
Why it matters: Understanding language learning requires looking beyond simple motivation to see how social power affects a student's engagement.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Darvin and Norton (2021). Investment and motivation in language learning: What's the difference?. Language Teaching. · cc-by
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