This qualitative study explores the demotivating experiences of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Korea, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan. The purpose of this study was to examine how these demotivating experiences vary across contexts and how teachers respond to them. The research was guided by three questions focusing on the nature of demotivators, coping responses, and factors supporting teacher motivation. Drawing on interviews with 15 female teachers and employing grounded theory analysis (Strauss & Corbin, 1998), the study identifies three core themes: (1) systemic and institutional demotivators, including heavy workloads, inadequate salaries, and credential-related pressures; (2) sociocultural and interpersonal stressors, such as student misbehavior, parental demands, and exam-oriented instruction, and (3) professional resilience and coping strategies, including emotional regulation, supportive networks, and intrinsic motivation. Demotivation appeared more frequently in Myanmar and Uzbekistan, where experienced teachers were more likely to demonstrate adaptive coping mechanisms. Overall, the findings underscore that EFL teacher demotivation results from a complex interplay of systemic, cultural, and individual-level factors. Rather than responding passively, teachers actively navigate and negotiate these challenges. This study advocates for a more nuanced understanding of teacher motivation and calls for comprehensive institutional reforms, empowering leadership, and contextually responsive resilience initiatives to enhance teacher well-being across diverse educational contexts.
Abstract Introduction Literature Review Systemic and Institutional Demotivators in EFL Teaching Sociocultural and Institutional Influences on Teacher Motivation Professional Resilience and Coping Strategies Methodology Participants Data Collection Data Analysis Results Systemic and Institutional Demotivators Sociocultural and Interpersonal Pressures Personal Resilience and Coping Strategies Discussion Summary and Implications The Authors References Appendix
The goals of Asia TEFL are to promote scholarship, disseminate information, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with the teaching and learning of English in Asia. In order to accomplish this, Asia TEFL will pursue the following goals:
1. To link ELT professionals in joint research on issues and concerns regarding English teaching and learning in the Asian context.
2. To publish an academic journal, The Asia TEFL Journal, as an internationally recognized journal in the field of English language teaching.
3. To host conferences and seminars addressing important issues concerning ELT in Asia.
4. To develop proficiency guidelines and assessment methods designed for the needs of the Asian context.
5. To develop programs for Asian learners and teachers of English to build their English language proficiency and cultural understanding and provide them with the skills required to be efficient English teaching professionals.
간행물
간행물명
The Journal of AsiaTEFL
간기
계간
pISSN
1738-3102
eISSN
2466-1511
수록기간
2004~2026
등재여부
SCOPUS,KCI 등재
십진분류
KDC 740DDC 420
이 권호 내 다른 논문 / The Journal of AsiaTEFL Vol.22 No.4