Improving the motivation of 5th grade students in learning english through using automata (mechanical moving toys) as a learning material

In the process of teaching and learning English as a foreign language, up to now different methods and techniques have been implemented by taking into consideration the opinions and theories of lots of scholars. In the Curriculum of Ministry of Education of 2013-2014 Teaching year English Lesson for 5th Graders, the methods and techniques should be implemented have been written. However, these cannot meet the needs of students properly. In order to make the lesson alive, increase their motivation, interest, enthusiasm, having fun and make students take part in the lesson actively in education process, teachers can practice different implementations related to topic. In the process of language teaching and learning, Automata (mechanical moving toys) were used as a learning material in order to improve the motivation of students. A story was built by students about the topics studied in the second term. These stories were dramatized and told with automata by students. One part of the story was showed and illuminated by automata. It aimed to improve the motivation of students and also their interest, enjoyment, fun and enthusiasm in learning English by doing automata activities. This was a case study and process oriented work. This study was implemented to twelve 5th grade students including seven females and five males in Yağızlı Secondary School in Ordu, Turkey. The data was obtained from Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, Student Interviews, Classroom Observation and Student Diaries. In the process the intrinsic motivation inventory was implemented to the students for five times after automata activities. The students were interviewed from the fourth week. In 12-week time period, observations were made and notes were taken during the implementation depending on process. Students' feelings and opinions were learnt from their diaries. According to results and data obtained, it is said that automata as a learning material improve the motivation of 5th grade students in learning English. Keywords: Automata, motivation, enjoyment, interest, enthusiasm, having fun, young learners, building a story, drama, learning by doing