Introduction: English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency has become

vital for global communication and essential in education. On the other hand,

motivation, defined as the internal drive to engage with enthusiasm, plays a

pivotal role in language acquisition. However, motivating ESL learners is a

critical challenge for educators, as English is recognized as an international

language with broad applications. Therefore, understanding the importance

of motivation is crucial in ESL contexts.

Objective: The objective of this review is to examine motivational strategies

in ESL classrooms and underscore their significance in enhancing students’

enthusiasm, participation, language development, and overall success, with

a specific focus on providing ESL educators with valuable tools and insights

for effective implementation.

Methodology: This review follows a methodical approach including

literature search and data extraction. Twenty articles published between

1975 and 2022 were reviewed, which focused on motivation strategies in ESL

classrooms.

Results: Motivation in ESL classrooms can be categorized as internal or

external: instrumental or integrative. Effective motivation strategies include

setting clear goals, employing the incentive theory, using awards and

rewards, role-plays, integrating technology, and activity-based methods.

Additionally, creating a positive classroom climate and offering real-life

language experiences also contribute to motivation.

Conclusion: Motivation is crucial for ESL learners’ success; therefore, it

is recommended that educators adopt innovative teaching approaches and

deepen their understanding of motivation to inspire students, contributing to

enhanced language proficiency.

Keywords
English language proficiency , ESL classrooms , Language acquisition , Motivation strategies , Student participation