IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Teachers’ Beliefs and Strategies in Motivating Students in Learning English

Annisa Deliza (Master of English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages, Arts and Cultures, Yogyakarta State University, Yogyakarta)
Dwiyani Pratiwi (Master of English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages, Arts and Cultures, Yogyakarta State University, Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study explores junior high school English teachers’ beliefs about motivating students to learn English and examines how these beliefs shape their motivational strategies, the challenges they encounter, and the influence of their personal learning experiences and professional development on their teaching practices. Although previous studies have examined teachers’ beliefs or motivational strategies in EFL contexts, limited research has explored how teachers’ beliefs are reflected in their motivational strategies through multiple qualitative data sources, particularly in Indonesian junior high school settings. Furthermore, the integration of Teacher Cognition Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Dörnyei’s motivational framework remains limited in previous studies. Guided by these three theoretical perspectives, this qualitative descriptive study involved two English teachers from a junior high school in Jakarta. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis of lesson plans and teaching materials. Methodological triangulation was used to enhance the credibility of the data Thematic analysis was used to detect trends and themes across the data sources. Findings show that teachers’ beliefs were a key factor in the selection and implementation of motivational strategies, particularly in creating emotionally supportive classrooms, fostering student engagement, and tailoring teaching to students’ needs through reflective teaching practices. Low self-confidence and negative perceptions of English were major challenges faced by teachers and they tackled these through adaptive and student-centred strategies. The findings offer practical insights into how teachers’ beliefs shape motivational practices in Indonesian EFL classrooms and contribute to deeper comprehension of the relationship between teacher cognition and motivational strategies.

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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, ...