Motivation Theories And English Teaching In Universities

Motivation, as one of the most important influential factors in foreign language learning, determines the degree of learners' effort and personal involvement in language learning. Robert Gardner and Wallace Lambert classified motivation into two types: integrative motivation and instrumental motivation. The former maintains that learners learn foreign language in order to identify themselves with the culture of the target language. The latter means learners learn for promoting their social status, getting good jobs, passing exams and so on. Motivation is also categorized into intrinsic motivation deriving from inner desire and competence, and extrinsic motivation from external reward and stimuli. There are a number of influential factors such as learners' attitude and interest, learning environment and teaching methods, etc.The paper reviews motivation theories including: Gardner's Socio-educational Models, Behavioral Theories, Cognitive Theories and so on. Among these Gardner's motivation theory emphasizes the influence of integrative motivation on language learning and has much impact on the afterwards researches.The relevant motivation theories present some clues for teachers to build supportive learning environment, to initiate learners' interest and to enhance their learning motivation. As far as English learners especially those lacking learning motivation with low proficiency are concerned, it is more necessary for teachers to use appropriate strategies in order to cultivate their motivation.The paper investigates and analyzes learners' motivation types and influential factors according to the questionnaire about the learning motivation of some students in the university. Some suggestions are given on how teachers reinforce learners' motivation in teaching practice.The Introduction briefs the previous study and the objective of the thesis. It also outlines the significance and the main theoretical base and the research methodology...