Pekanbaru (Catra Media) – In a world where English serves as a global lingua franca—connecting people across borders, industries, and cultures—mastering the language has never been more valuable. Yet, for many students, English remains a daunting subject, often associated with grammar drills, memorization, and test anxiety.
But what if the key to mastering English isn’t found in pressure, but in interest?
Research in language acquisition shows that motivation and engagement are two of the most powerful drivers of success in language learning. So how can we turn English from a school subject into a personal passion? Here’s a closer look at evidence-based methods and real-world strategies to foster genuine interest in learning English.
1. Create Meaningful Exposure: Make English a Part of Everyday Life
One of the most effective ways to generate interest in English is by exposing learners to the language beyond the classroom. This concept, known as “input-based learning,” was popularized by linguist Stephen Krashen, who emphasized the importance of receiving meaningful and understandable input in second-language acquisition.
How to apply this:
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Watch movies, series, or YouTube videos in English with or without subtitles.
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Listen to English music, audiobooks, or podcasts while commuting or relaxing.
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Follow social media accounts, influencers, or content creators who post in English.
Real-life application not only improves comprehension but builds emotional connection. A learner who loves K-pop might get into English just to understand interviews or global fan content. That’s intrinsic motivation—and it’s far more sustainable than learning just to pass a test.
2. Focus on Interest-Based Content
Traditional English curriculums are often disconnected from students’ personal interests. Studies in content-based instruction (CBI) and task-based learning (TBLT) show that learning is more effective when content aligns with what learners care about.
Instead of sticking to textbook dialogs, educators and students alike can benefit from interest-driven reading or writing:
Examples:
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A student passionate about football can follow Premier League articles or listen to sports commentary in English.
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A teenager who loves fashion can read blogs, follow trend reports, or watch haul videos on YouTube.
As students engage with topics they love in English, their vocabulary grows naturally and their comprehension deepens—without it feeling like a chore.
3. Gamify the Learning Process
Gamification is one of the most effective ways to increase engagement and interest, especially among young learners. A study published in The Language Learning Journal found that students using game-based platforms like Duolingo or Quizlet demonstrated higher motivation and vocabulary retention.
Gamification introduces:
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Instant rewards and feedback (points, badges, streaks),
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Level progression, and
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Competition or collaboration with peers.
Classrooms can adapt gamification too, through activities like English-language scavenger hunts, role-playing, or group trivia games.
4. Prioritize Communication Over Perfection
One of the main barriers to interest in English is fear of making mistakes. Learners who feel judged or self-conscious are less likely to participate, which limits practice and slows progress.
To counter this, experts recommend the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach, where the goal is to be understood, not to speak perfectly.
Encouraging safe spaces for conversation—whether in informal peer groups, English clubs, or online communities—can help learners build confidence and actually enjoy speaking English.
5. Highlight the Real-World Value of English
Students are more interested in learning when they understand the “why“ behind it. English is not just a subject—it’s a global tool.
Concrete examples that can motivate learners:
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Scholarships & study abroad: Most international programs require English proficiency.
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Career paths: English is essential in fields like technology, tourism, aviation, science, and international business.
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Pop culture & global connection: From Netflix to TikTok, global entertainment often runs through English.
Educators and parents can help by showcasing role models—people from similar backgrounds who succeeded academically or professionally thanks to their English skills.
7. Use Technology and Social Platforms Wisely
Digital media has opened a new frontier in language learning. Unlike the traditional classroom, it offers personalized, interactive, and instantly accessible English input.
Popular tools that make English engaging:
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Language apps (e.g., Duolingo, Memrise, LingQ)
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Social media challenges: TikTok trends, Instagram Reels in English
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Discussion forums: Reddit, Quora, or Discord servers with English-speaking communities
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Online games: Playing multiplayer games with global players encourages real-time English communication.
When learners realize that English is a gateway to participate in global digital culture, their curiosity and motivation increase significantly.
8. Celebrate Small Wins and Encourage Self-Expression
Motivation thrives when learners see their own progress. Journaling in English, writing poetry, or creating short videos can be both expressive and confidence-building.
Teachers and mentors can help by:
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Giving positive feedback over corrections.
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Encouraging peer recognition and collaborative projects.
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Letting students share their work publicly (school blog, social media, etc.)
According to psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset, believing that effort leads to improvement helps learners stay motivated—even when learning feels hard.
Final Thoughts: From Obligation to Enthusiasm
Developing a genuine interest in English requires a shift from viewing it as an academic requirement to embracing it as a personal tool for expression, connection, and growth. When learners see the relevance of English in their own lives—and are given the freedom to explore it creatively—they’re far more likely to engage deeply and joyfully.
So whether you’re a student, teacher, or parent, remember: the journey to loving English starts with curiosity, not correction.
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