Understanding The Attractor States In Chinese College Students' EFL Learning Motivation

Learning motivation is one of the most important individual differences in foreign language teaching and learning,which plays an important role in English attainment.However,most previous studies focus on the number of samples to investigate the synchronic characteristics of learning motivation by quantitative methods.This research paradigm deviated from the “difference” standard of the individuals,so it can't penetrate into the mechanism of learning motivation.Based on the dynamic system theory,a follow-up study of four freshman of non-English majors from Tianjin University of Technology was conducted for one year by semi-structured interview,interviewee feedback and motivation trajectory.Results show that:(1)The three levels of the L2 motivational self system,that is,the ideal self,the ought-to self and the L2 experiences are the main attractors;(2)The dimension of prevention in ought-to self is the main factor that causes the attractor basin;(3)The examination is the main attractor,which causes the reiteration of English learning motivation of the participants during the year.This finding has important implications for college English teaching and learning.Teachers should help learners set clear learning goals and strengthen their confidence so as to facilitate their English learning motivation.Learners should know themselves correctly and overcome their learning anxiety so as to effect their attainment.