IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Teachers’ Strategies to Motivate Young Learners in Learning English at Elementary School

Nadia Asyura (Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, STKIP Muhammadiyah Aceh Barat Daya)
Meristika Moetia (Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, STKIP Muhammadiyah Aceh Barat Daya)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

This systematic literature review investigates teachers' motivational strategies and their associated implementation challenges in Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) within Indonesian primary education. To address the need for updated evidence-based synthesis, this study systematically analyzed 10 empirical research articles published in 2025 focusing on primary school contexts (Grades 1–6) in Indonesia. Guided by Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis framework, the synthesis yielded two primary findings. First, to enhance student motivation (RQ1), primary EFL teachers predominantly employ four pedagogical strategies: gamified and play-based learning, kinesthetic-auditory activities (TPR and songs), digital media integration, and contextual storytelling. Second, the implementation of these strategies (RQ2) is constrained by key operational and affective barriers, notably the lack of specialized TEYL teacher qualifications, student language anxiety, restricted instructional time, facility disparities, and mixed-ability classroom dynamics. The study underscores that optimizing young learners' English motivation requires an alignment of teacher pedagogical training, adequate instructional resources, and a supportive learning environment.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...