The DOI matches its Crossref record.
Motivation in action: Towards a process‐oriented conceptualisation of student motivation
Abstract
Background. This paper focuses on the temporal dimension of student motivation; that is, rather than considering motivation a stable emotional or mental state, the emphasis is placed on portraying motivation processes as they happen in time. Aims. 1. To account for the dynamic development of motivation in prolonged learning processes such as the mastery of school subjects. 2. To discuss the practical implications of a process‐oriented approach for professional practice. Method. Theoretical analysis and model building, drawing on the findings of empirical investigations. Analysis. It is argued that the ‘ time’ dimension is relevant to the study of motivation in at least two crucial areas: to account for (a) how motivation is generated and (b) how it fluctuates and further develops over time. A focus on the temporal dimension is particularly important for the understanding of student motivation because in prolonged learning activities such as mastering a school subject a major motivational function is to maintain the motivational impetus for a considerable period (often several years) against a number of distracting influences. In order to illustrate the temporal conception of motivation, a ‘ Process Model of Student Motivation’ is presented and various theoretical pros and cons are discussed. Finally, practical implications are demonstrated by providing a taxonomy of motivational strategies rooted in the process‐oriented approach, with one specific aspect, the students’ action control and self‐motivation, specially highlighted in order to show the compatibility of the approach with current research on student self‐regulation.
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“It is unfortunate, however, that most of the theoretical models and the research projects they have spurred have failed to take into consideration the dynamic character of motivation, as reflected in its temporal variation, both over extended periods of time, and within single lessons as well as sequences of such lessons.”
From The dynamic nature of motivation in language learning: A classroom perspective (2012) · cites this paper as Dörnyei, 2000
In the citing paper
“When we examine the empirical investigations of motivation in second and foreign language learning, even those drawing upon the latest theoretical paradigms, such as the L2 motivational self system (Dörnyei, 2009), it becomes clear that many of them still fail to take account of its dynamic character and temporal variation.”
From The dynamic nature of motivation in language learning: A classroom perspective (2012) · cites this paper as Dörnyei, 2000
Citations
Cites
Still being checked.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Dörnyei, Z. (2003) · Language Learning · doi:10.1111/1467-9922.53222 · Cited by 991
Self-citationCsizér, K., & Dörnyei, Z. (2005) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.1111/j.0026-7902.2005.00263.x · Cited by 838
Self-citationIndividual Differences in Second Language Learning
Dörnyei, Z., & Skehan, P. (2003) · The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition · doi:10.1002/9780470756492.ch18 · Cited by 563
Self-citationKormos, J., & Csizér, K. (2008) · Language Learning · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9922.2008.00443.x · Cited by 495
Learning in a mobile age: an investigation of student motivation
Ciampa, K. (2013) · Journal of Computer Assisted Learning · doi:10.1111/jcal.12036 · Cited by 390
Individual Differences: Interplay of Learner Characteristics and Learning Environment
Dörnyei, Z. (2009) · Language Learning · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9922.2009.00542.x · Cited by 412
Self-citationToward a Model of Motivated Vocabulary Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Tseng, W., & Schmitt, N. (2008) · Language Learning · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9922.2008.00444.x · Cited by 339
Doğan, U. (2015) · The Anthropologist · doi:10.1080/09720073.2015.11891759 · Cited by 291
Skinner, E. A., Kindermann, T. A., Connell, J. P., & Wellborn, J. G. (2009) · Cited by 281
Oga-Baldwin, W. L. Q. (2019) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2019.102128 · Cited by 331
Csizér, K., & Lukács, G. (2010) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2009.12.001 · Cited by 258
Papi, M., & Abdollahzadeh, E. (2012) · Language Learning · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9922.2011.00632.x · Cited by 244
Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition
Butler, Y. G., & Hakuta, K. (2006) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9780470756997.ch5 · Cited by 247
Engagement, gender, and motivation: A predictive model for Japanese young language learners
Oga-Baldwin, W. L. Q., & Nakata, Y. (2017) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2017.01.011 · Cited by 263
A Review of Self-Report and Alternative Approaches in the Measurement of Student Motivation
Fulmer, S. M., & Frijters, J. C. (2009) · Educational Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10648-009-9107-x · Cited by 227
What We Know About Second Language Acquisition
Dixon, L. Q., Zhao, J., Shin, J.-Y., Wu, S. F., Su, J.-H., Burgess-Brigham, R., Gezer, M. Ü., & Snow, C. E. (2012) · Review of Educational Research · doi:10.3102/0034654311433587 · Cited by 205
The mechanism of impact of summative assessment on medical students’ learning
Cilliers, F. J., Schuwirth, L., Adendorff, H. J., Herman, N., & van der Vleuten, C. P. M. (2010) · Advances in Health Sciences Education · doi:10.1007/s10459-010-9232-9 · Cited by 164
The interaction of linguistic and motivational variables in second language task performance
Kormos, J., & Dörnyei, Z. (2023) · TUbilio (Technical University of Darmstadt) · doi:10.26083/tuprints-00012651 · Cited by 152
Self-citationJiang, L., & Luk, J. C. M. (2016) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2016.04.001 · Cited by 140
(2006) · Cited by 126
Henry, A. (2010) · Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development · doi:10.1080/01434630903471439 · Cited by 136
Dynamics of selves and motivation: a cross‐sectional study in the EFL context of Iran
Papi, M., & Teimouri, Y. (2012) · International Journal of Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1111/j.1473-4192.2012.00312.x · Cited by 113
Individual differences and their effects on formulaic sequence acquisition
Dörnyei, Z., Durow, V., & Zahran, K. (2004) · Language learning and language teaching · doi:10.1075/lllt.9.06dor · Cited by 112
Self-citationHow Remote Labs Impact on Course Outcomes: Various Practices Using VISIR
Marques, M. A., Viegas, C., Costa-Lobo, C., Fidalgo, A. V. D. S., Alves, G. R., Rocha, J. S., & Gustavsson, I. (2013) · IEEE Transactions on Education · doi:10.1109/te.2013.2284156 · Cited by 107
Csizér, K., Kormos, J., & Sárkadi, A. I. (2010) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2010.01054.x · Cited by 123
Chen, W., & Yu, S. (2019) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2019.03.005 · Cited by 103
Dörnyei, Z. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-28380-3_3 · Cited by 112
Self-citationShroff, R. H., & Vogel, D. (2009) · Journal of Information Technology Education Research · doi:10.28945/160 · Cited by 97
A Review of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations of ESL Learners
Ng, C. F., & Ng, P. K. (2015) · International Journal of Languages Literature and Linguistics · doi:10.7763/ijlll.2015.v1.20 · Cited by 103
The dynamic nature of motivation in language learning: A classroom perspective
Pawlak, M. (2012) · Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching · doi:10.14746/ssllt.2012.2.2.7 · Cited by 92
“…Ryan’s (1985) self-determination theory or Weiner’s (1992) attribution theory, and (c) the process-oriented period, emphasizing the importance of motivational changes and represented by the work of Ushioda (1996), Williams and Burden (1997), Dörnyei and Ottó (1998), or Dörnyei (2000), among others.”
Gender differences in adolescents’ academic motivation and classroom behaviour
Bugler, M., McGeown, S. P., & Clair‐Thompson, H. S. (2013) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2013.849325 · Cited by 120
A Model of Adaptive Language Learning
Woodrow, L. (2006) · Modern Language Journal · doi:10.1111/j.1540-4781.2006.00424.x · Cited by 97
Csizér, K., & Kormos, J. (2008) · Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1093/applin/amn025 · Cited by 90
The relationship between academic self-concept, attributions, and L2 achievement
Erten, İ. H., & Burden, R. (2014) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2014.01.006 · Cited by 91
Variations in motivation, anxiety and boredom in learning English in Second Life
Kruk, M. (2016) · The EuroCALL Review · doi:10.4995/eurocall.2016.5693 · Cited by 88
Impact of cognitive-behavioral motivation on student engagement
Singh, M., James, P. S., Paul, H., & Bolar, K. P. (2022) · Heliyon · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09843 · Cited by 143
Student and teacher perceptions of motivational strategies in the foreign language classroom
Ruesch, A., Bown, J., & Dewey, D. P. (2012) · Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching · doi:10.1080/17501229.2011.562510 · Cited by 86
Emotions as Learning Enhancers of Foreign Language Learning Motivation
López, M. G. M., & Aguilar, A. P. (2013) · PROFILE Issues in Teachers Professional Development · Cited by 80
Task-based oral computer-mediated communication and L2 vocabulary acquisition
Yanguas, Í. (2012) · CALICO Journal · doi:10.11139/cj.29.3.507-531 · Cited by 76
Predicting Changes in Cultural Sensitivity among Students of Spanish during Short-term Study Abroad
Martinsen, R. A. (2011) · Hispania · doi:10.1353/hpn.2011.a424433 · Cited by 74
1. Introduction: Applying Complex Dynamic Systems Principles to Empirical Research on L2 Motivation
Dörnyei, Z., MacIntyre, P. D., & Henry, A. (2014) · Multilingual Matters eBooks · doi:10.21832/9781783092574-003 · Cited by 74
Self-citationEducational Motivation and Engagement: Qualitative accounts from three countries
Hufton, N. R., Elliott, J. G., & Illushin, L. (2002) · British Educational Research Journal · doi:10.1080/01411920120122185 · Cited by 72
Online Learning during Pandemic: Students' Motivation, Challenges, and Alternatives
Muslimin, A. I., & Harintama, F. (2020) · Loquen English Studies Journal · doi:10.32678/loquen.v13i2.3558 · Cited by 68
Developing undergraduate research skills in a faculty of education: motivation through collaboration
Waite, S., & Davis, B. (2006) · Higher Education Research & Development · doi:10.1080/07294360600947426 · Cited by 67
Motivation in Language Learning
Woodrow, L. (2016) · Educational linguistics · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-40956-6_16 · Cited by 73
Bonney, C. R., Cortina, K. S., Smith‐Darden, J. P., & Fiori, K. L. (2008) · Learning and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2007.11.005 · Cited by 67
Wright, K. L., Hodges, T. S., & McTigue, E. M. (2018) · Assessing Writing · doi:10.1016/j.asw.2018.12.004 · Cited by 64
Influence of Teacher and Family Support on University Student Motivation and Engagement
Descals-Tomás, A., Rocabert-Beut, E., Abellán-Roselló, L., Gómez-Artiga, A., & Doménech-Betoret, F. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18052606 · Cited by 59
Lasagabaster, D. (2015) · Porta Linguarum Revista Interuniversitaria de Didáctica de las Lenguas Extranjeras · doi:10.30827/digibug.53737 · Cited by 59
Niu, W., Zhang, W., Zhang, C., & Chen, X. (2024) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su16031276 · Cited by 88
Lu, Y.-L., & Lien, C.-J. (2019) · Journal of Educational Computing Research · doi:10.1177/0735633118820684 · Cited by 73
The dynamic nature of motivation during the task: can it be captured?
Yanguas, Í. (2010) · Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching · doi:10.1080/17501229.2010.519771 · Cited by 60
Motivation in second language acquisition among learners in Malaysia
Azar, A. S., & Tanggaraju, D. (2020) · Studies in English Language and Education · doi:10.24815/siele.v7i2.16506 · Cited by 54
Shedivy, S. L. (2003) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2003.09.008 · Cited by 58
Motivational strategies and approaches for single and multi-player exergames: a social perspective
Chan, G., Arya, A., Orji, R., & Zhao, Z. (2019) · PeerJ Computer Science · doi:10.7717/peerj-cs.230 · Cited by 57
Extramural English and academic vocabulary
Olsson, E., & Sylvén, L. K. (2015) · Apples - Journal of Applied Language Studies · doi:10.17011/apples/urn.201512234129 · Cited by 68
Khalil, A.-H. A., & Khalil, M. (2011) · Georgetown University-Graduate School of Arts & Sciences · Cited by 48
Lucas, U., & Tan, P. L. (2011) · Studies in Higher Education · doi:10.1080/03075079.2011.569706 · Cited by 47
Exploring students’ demotivation and remotivation in learning English
Wang, S., & LITTLEWOOD, W. T. (2021) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2021.102617 · Cited by 62
Kyo, O. H. Y. (2021) · Applied Linguistics · doi:10.1093/applin/amab005 · Cited by 44
Lai, C. S.-Y., & Hui, C. L. (2020) · Higher Education Research & Development · doi:10.1080/07294360.2020.1756748 · Cited by 44
Kutuk, G., Putwain, D. W., Kaye, L. K., & Garrett, B. (2021) · British Journal of Educational Psychology · doi:10.1111/bjep.12446 · Cited by 57
Xu, H., & Gao, Y. (2014) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2014.09.020 · Cited by 43
Understanding students’ choice of electives and its implications
Ting, D. H., & Lee, C. K. C. (2011) · Studies in Higher Education · doi:10.1080/03075079.2010.512383 · Cited by 42
Conceptualizing learner characteristics in a complex, dynamic world
Dörnyei, Z. (2017) · Language learning and language teaching · doi:10.1075/lllt.48.05dor · Cited by 43
Self-citationStudents' Studying and Approaches to Learning in Introductory Biology
Tomanek, D., & Montplaisir, L. M. (2004) · Cell Biology Education · doi:10.1187/cbe.04-06-0041 · Cited by 42
Dust, S. B., Liu, H., Wang, S., & Reina, C. S. (2021) · Journal of Applied Psychology · doi:10.1037/apl0000887 · Cited by 50
Demotivating and Remotivating Factors in Learning English : A Case of Low Level College Students
정숙경 (2011) · English Teaching · doi:10.15858/engtea.66.2.201106.47 · Cited by 39
Second Language Motivation; The Role of Teachers in Learners’ Motivation
Kaboody, M. A. (2013) · Journal of academic and applied studies · Cited by 39
The power of the FL teacher's motivational strategies
Fernández, D. M. (2002) · Cauce: Revista Internacional de Filología, Comunicación y sus Didácticas · Cited by 37
A model of motivation for extensive reading in Japanese as a foreign language
de Burgh-Hirabe, R., & Feryok, A. (2013) · Reading in a Foreign Language · doi:10.64152/10125/66678 · Cited by 37
A Case Study of Extensive Reading with an Unmotivated L2 Reader.
Ro, E. (2013) · Reading in a Foreign Language · Cited by 36
Saeki, E., & Quirk, M. P. (2015) · Social Psychology of Education · doi:10.1007/s11218-014-9283-5 · Cited by 46
Variability as predictor in L2 writing proficiency
Huang, T., Steinkrauss, R., & Verspoor, M. H. (2021) · Journal of Second Language Writing · doi:10.1016/j.jslw.2020.100787 · Cited by 34
Diseño y validación de un cuestionario de gestión motivacional
Cabanach, R. G., Valle, A., Gerpe, M. G., Rodríguez, S., Piñeiro, I., & Rosário, P. J. S. L. F. (2009) · Communities in ADDI (Universidad del Pais Vasco) · doi:10.1387/revpsicodidact.249 · Cited by 34
Dörnyei, Z., & Henry, A. (2022) · Advances in motivation science · doi:10.1016/bs.adms.2021.12.003 · Cited by 49
Self-citationMomentum in online discussions: the effect of social presence on motivation for participation
Weaver, C. M., & Albion, P. (2005) · University of Southern Queensland ePrints (University of Southern Queensland) · Cited by 33
A social and cognitive approach to affect in SLA
Bown, J., & White, C. (2010) · IRAL - International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching · doi:10.1515/iral.2010.014 · Cited by 41
The Relationship Between Motivation and Academic Performance Among Medical Students in Riyadh
Bin Abdulrahman, K. A., Alshehri, A. S., Alkhalifah, K. M., Alasiri, A., Aldayel, M. S., Alahmari, F. S., Alothman, A. M., & Alfadhel, M. A. (2023) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.46815 · Cited by 31
Dynamicity of motivation, anxiety and cooperativeness in a semester course
Koga, T. (2010) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2010.03.001 · Cited by 30
Cross-grade analysis of Chinese students’ English learning motivation: a mixed-methods study
Zhang, Q.-M., & Kim, T.-Y. (2013) · Asia Pacific Education Review · doi:10.1007/s12564-013-9288-3 · Cited by 29
Applying the UTAUT model in Engineering Higher Education: Teacher's technology adoption
Marques, B. P., Villate, J. E., & de Carvalho, C. V. (2011) · Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT) · Cited by 28
Identities and New Speakers of Minority Languages: A Focus on Galician
O’Rourke, B., & Ramallo, F. F. (2017) · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · doi:10.1057/978-1-137-57558-6_5 · Cited by 28
Teachers’ Code Mixing and Code Switching: Insights on Language Barriers in EFL Classroom
Siddiq, R. A., Kustati, M., & Yustina, L. S. (2020) · AL-TA LIM · doi:10.15548/jt.v27i1.606 · Cited by 27
When CLIL is for all: Improving learner motivation through peer-tutoring in Mathematics
Arnándiz, O. M., Miravet, L. M., & Alegre, F. (2022) · System · doi:10.1016/j.system.2022.102773 · Cited by 27
Kormos, J., & Wilby, J. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-28380-3_13 · Cited by 27
Bugler, M., McGeown, S. P., & Clair‐Thompson, H. S. (2015) · Educational Psychology · doi:10.1080/01443410.2015.1035697 · Cited by 27
Negative affect as a moderator of the relationship between hookup motives and hookup consequences
Montes, K. S., Napper, L. E., Froidevaux, N. M., Kenney, S. R., & LaBrie, J. W. (2016) · Journal of American College Health · doi:10.1080/07448481.2016.1213732 · Cited by 26
Jiang, Y., & Dewaele, J. (2015) · IRAL - International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching · doi:10.1515/iral-2015-0015 · Cited by 26
Wu, W. V., & Marek, M. W. (2010) · The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology · Cited by 26
Alshehri, E., & Etherington, S. (2017) · International Journal of English Language Education · doi:10.5296/ijele.v5i2.11727 · Cited by 30
L2 Learners' Self-Appraisal of Motivational Changes Over Time
Hsieh, C.-N. (2009) · Issues in Applied Linguistics · doi:10.5070/l4171005104 · Cited by 25
Dembovskaya, S. B. (2009) · doi:10.17077/etd.scwb9fdh · Cited by 25
Lucas, U., & Tan, P. L. (2007) · UWE Research Repository (UWE Bristol) · Cited by 25
A systematic review of the use of log-based process data in computer-based assessments
He, S., & Cui, Y. (2025) · Computers & Education · doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105245 · Cited by 24
Kareem, J., Thomas, S. K., Aneesh Kumar, P., & Neelakantan, M. S. (2022) · Psychology in the schools (Print) · doi:10.1002/pits.22758 · Cited by 19
Kakar, S. K., & Pathan, Z. H. (2017) · International Journal of English Linguistics · doi:10.5539/ijel.v7n2p117 · Cited by 26
Understanding users’ dynamic behavior in a free trial of IT services: A three-stage model
Jiao, W., Chen, H., & Yuan, Y. (2019) · Information & Management · doi:10.1016/j.im.2019.103238 · Cited by 23
First Year Engineering Students' Approaches to Study
Rowe, J. W. (2002) · International Journal of Electrical Engineering Education · doi:10.7227/ijeee.39.3.3 · Cited by 22
Persistence in Japanese Language study and learners’ cultural/linguistic backgrounds
alter, Z. D. C. D. N. (2009) · Australian Review of Applied Linguistics · doi:10.2104/aral0910 · Cited by 22
Metadata
- Authors
- Dörnyei, Z.
- Affiliations
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Dörnyei, Zoltán
- ORCID
- Dörnyei, Zoltán
- Venue
- British Journal of Educational Psychology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2000-12
- Volume
- 70
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 519-538
- ISSN
- 0007-0998 (ISSN-L)
- 2044-8279
- OpenAlex
- W2029204141
- Cited by
- 374
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 13 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 15 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 16 · 2012: 19
- FWCI
- 3.79
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- British Journal of Educational Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- British Psychological Society
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
- Keywords
- student motivation, process approach, motivational development, sustained motivation, motivational strategies, self-motivation, action control, self-regulation
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, Internal-External Control, Motivation, Psychology, Educational, Students, Teaching
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review