Marina Đukić Mirzayantz (Belgrade) p69-99
2017 Issue 3
Abstract
This paper reports on the motivation and beliefs in the traditional and distance learning and teaching of German as a foreign language (GFL) at Singidunum University in Serbia. The conclusion is that between the students in the distance course (experimental group) and those in the traditional course (control group) no statistically significant difference was shown in terms of any changes in their motivation, satisfaction with the quality of teaching and time spent learning German. As indicated in the findings, the course materials and interest in German were top of the list of motivating factors, while lack of self-discipline was identified as the most demotivating factor. The study also reveals that the beliefs held by Serbian students about their ‘ought self’ do not reflect the perceptions of their ‘actual self’ as traditional and distance GFL learners. The paper underlines important pedagogical implications regarding the enhancement of students’ metacognitive strategies, course design and assessment.