Participation in international contests as a motivation factor in studying English

Abstract

The article analyses students’ motivation in some tasks given to them at English language classes, namely participation in international contests. Firstly, theoretical aspects are considered, where motivation is viewed as a complex process, involving several factors. Secondly, the contests overview is provided together with the students’ motives and the ways they are expressed. Two different age groups (university students and schoolchildren of the 5th and 7th grade) participated in two different contests, so their motives were studied separately. Finally, the motives of these two groups were compared. The study revealed that students and pupils have different motives, which make them participate in such activities.