CURRENT ISSUES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING: DEVELOPING STUDENT MOTIVATION IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL CONTEXTS

In the contemporary era of globalization and educational transformation, foreign language teaching faces a range of pedagogical and psychological challenges, among which learner motivation remains one of the most critical. Despite advances in teaching methodologies and educational technologies, many learners demonstrate low engagement and limited persistence in foreign language learning. This article explores current issues in foreign language teaching with a particular focus on the formation and development of student motivation. Drawing on key theories of second language acquisition, including the L2 Motivational Self System, self-determination theory, and communicative language teaching, the study analyzes how motivational factors are shaped by classroom environment, instructional strategies, and teacher–learner interaction. Using a qualitative theoretical approach, the paper proposes an integrated pedagogical framework aimed at enhancing student motivation in foreign language classrooms. The findings emphasize that motivation is a dynamic construct influenced by pedagogical design and learning context, and that fostering motivation is essential for sustainable language learning and communicative competence.