Писането като мотивация: аналитичен обзор на списание „Кръг“ (като формиране на академична идентичност сред студентите японисти в България)
Writing as Motivation: an Analytical Review of the Student Journal Circle (as a Formation of Academic Identity among Japanese Studies Students in Bulgaria)

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the student journal Circle: The Young Japanologist’s Journal as a phenomenon of academic motivation and identity within the Japanese Studies program at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” The aim is to explore how participation in Circle enhances students’ intrinsic motivation, academic competence, and sense of belonging to the scholarly community. The research framework draws on four key theoretical perspectives: Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan), Expectancy–Value Theory (Eccles & Wigfield), Achievement Goal Theory (Ames; Dweck), and Gergana Petkova’s concept of “Conscious Education.” The methodology includes a qualitative content analysis of the eleven journal issues (2013–2024), focusing on student essays, interviews, and reports, as well as contextual references to academic events such as Bunkasai and student conferences. The findings reveal that Circle operates as an academic laboratory where motivation is enacted through writing, collaboration, and recognition. It strengthens students’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness while institutionalizing conscious education and intercultural dialogue. The paper concludes with a discussion of Circle as a transferable model for motivating students in other humanities disciplines.

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