The Guiding Role of Motivation Theory in College English Teaching from the Perspective of Educational Psychology

Abstract

“Motivation critically impacts college students” English learning quality, with Chinese linguists prioritizing intrinsic drive cultivation. While Gardner’s socio-psychological model dominated earlier research, post-1990s studies adopt multi-dimensional frameworks, emphasizing motivation’ s role as the core driver of second-language acquisition. It directly shapes engagement, outcomes, and enthusiasm, necessitating pedagogical integration of motivational theories. This article examines typologies (integrative/instrumental) and proposes strategies like task design balancing intrinsic/extrinsic goals and feedback reinforcing autonomy. Educators are urged to shift learners from short-term rewards to sustained curiosity by aligning evidence-based insights with classroom practices, bridging theory and reality to transform passive students into self-driven participants through motivation-centered approaches.”