The ECML-EC Think tank “Fostering motivation in language education: what role for decision-makers and educators?” took place at the European Centre for Modern Languages in Graz on 4 December within the context of the ECML’s cooperation action with the European Commission.

Against the backdrop of the findings from two recently published sources of data: the Eurobarometer 2024 - “Europeans and their languages” and the Eurydice report 2023 - “Key data on teaching languages at school in Europe”, the declared aims of the Think tank were to:

• strengthen awareness of the importance of addressing motivational issues related to the learning of languages other than/in addition to English;
• take stock of research trends on motivation and highlight examples of interesting educational practice which are potentially transferable/adaptable to other counties and contexts;
• identify key factors influencing motivation;
• publish inspiring examples and the Motivation Manifesto on the forthcoming dedicated website: www.ecml.at/motivation;
• consider the potential for further action at a European level in this area.

Involving 50 participants from 31 countries (as well as a livestream audience) - from schools, teacher education institutions, ministries of education, and language associations, the event focused on the challenges and possible solutions for education systems in promoting the learning of languages other than/in addition to English. It highlighted examples of practice covering a wide number of different contexts, the presentations addressing themes such as ‘Engendering positive change – evidence-based examples from both a national and a European perspective’ (France),  ‘Rationales and motivation for language learning beyond global English’ (United Kingdom) ‘Using visualisation and self-concept to better understand the motivational process in the foreign language classroom’ (Sweden) and ‘Motivation in language education in minoritised language contexts: Language attitudes and language policy’ (Spain/Italy) (see programme). These illustrated, in particular, features which are both relevant for and potentially transferable/adaptable to other contexts.

The event concluded with a panel discussion focusing on the next steps in language education, involving representatives from the European Commission, Ministries of Education, the European Parents’ Association (EPA), and the European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education (CercleS).

Based on the very successful event, it is now envisaged to develop a Motivation Manifesto.

A recording of the event and presentations are available on the dedicated website: www.ecml.at/motivation.