QFI to Wind Down Operations.
Read the AnnouncementLooking Back, Moving Forward: The Importance of Student Motivation
Aug 5, 2026
As QFI reflects on nearly two decades of advancing Arabic language education, we continue to celebrate educators, students, schools, researchers, and partners along with the work that has strengthened our community.
This week we are highlighting resources that explore student motivation and engagement in Arabic language learning. Together, these stories, conversations, and research demonstrate how classroom practices, educator experiences, and evidence-informed approaches can help students build confidence, strengthen learning, and develop lasting connections with the Arabic language.
QFI's Journey of an Arabic Educator series celebrates the experiences that bring Arabic educators to the classroom. Dana, an Arabic teacher at the Arabic Immersion Magnet School (AIMS) in Texas, first discovered Arabic as a student before choosing to become an educator herself.
Her classroom is shaped by the belief that learning Arabic should be active, collaborative, and joyful. Through movement, games, repetition, and shared problem-solving, she creates opportunities for students to build confidence, engage with the language, and keep trying.
Read Dana’s story here.
Podcast Episode: Motivating Arabic Learners: Strategies from Alumni and Educators
This episode of QFI's All Things Arabic podcast explores practical approaches to motivating Arabic learners.
Hosted by Caroline Sibley, the episode features educators, Dana and Najoua, as they discuss classroom culture, learner engagement, overcoming challenges, and strategies for creating meaningful and motivating learning experiences. Together, they highlight student motivation as a core pillar of the Arabic language education ecosystem and share practical strategies to foster engagement, joy, and meaningful learning.
Motivating Arabic Learners: Strategies from Alumni and Educators
Watch the episode above or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
New Blog: Reimagining Arabic Literacy Through Multisensory Learning
This blog explores how multisensory and phonics-based approaches, supported by technology, can strengthen early Arabic literacy. She highlights the importance of creating engaging, accessible, and effective learning experiences that support foundational reading skills for diverse learners.
Read the full blog here.
New Blog: Beyond Correction: Making Feedback Visible in the Arabic Classroom
This blog explores how structured formative feedback helps make learning visible, supports language development, and encourages students to take ownership of their progress while building confidence in their language proficiency. It emphasizes the use of effective, creative methods that actively engage students in the learning process, making feedback more interactive and meaningful.
Read the full blog here.
New Blog: Beyond Memorization: How AI Can Support Contextual Arabic Learning
In this blog, the author examines how artificial intelligence can support contextual, immersive, and personalized Arabic learning by enhancing vocabulary acquisition, communication skills, and learner engagement beyond traditional memorization-based teaching methods.
Read the full blog here.
In this 2016 report, Anna-Maria Ramezanzadeh examines the experiences of heritage and non-heritage learners studying GCSE Arabic in the UK. A key finding is the importance of student motivation and the role educators can play by understanding learners' interests, language backgrounds, identities, and future aspirations. The report offers recommendations for supporting engagement and strengthening Arabic learning across diverse classrooms.
Read the full report here.
Article: The Teaching of Arabic as a Community Language in the UK
This article provides an overview of Arabic language teaching in the UK across supplementary and mainstream schools, drawing on research and recent developments in Arabic education. It explores classroom practices, teacher perspectives, and the opportunities and ongoing challenges educators face in areas such as teacher preparation, professional development, and instructional materials. By highlighting current research alongside recommendations for strengthening Arabic language education, the article offers valuable insights into supporting effective teaching and expanding pathways for Arabic learners.
Read the full article here.
Presentation: Motivation to Learn Arabic as an Additional Language
This presentation explores key principles of learner motivation and their application in Arabic language education. Developed by Anna-Maria Ramezanzadeh and Robert Woore, and shared at the Oxford Symposium and QFI's Autumn Institute, it pairs a visual framework with a companion workbook to encourage reflection and discussion on strategies that foster student engagement and motivation.
View the full presentation here.
Access the Work Book here.
Download the Motivation Principles Graphic here.