Abstract:

Following a qualitative research design, this study examines the motivation of Turkish EFL teachers working at state universities in Turkey. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of participants and 20 teachers working at different universities participated in the study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and daily reflection entries. In the analysis of data, qualitative content analysis scheme of Creswell (2011) was used. The results revealed that teacher motivation is an inner driving force that is essential to sustain the profession for teachers. Students, administrative issues and workplace conditions were found to be the main factors that influence teacher motivation negatively or positively. Teachers also stated that better working conditions, a more sincere institutional atmosphere and more systematic administration would make them more motivated in their profession. Discussing the results in relation to the literature, this study offers several suggestions that would be helpful in increasing EFL teachers’ motivation.

Keywords: