Exploring the Impact of the Production-Oriented Approach on Chinese University Students’ Motivation for English Learning: A Mixed Methods Study

The importance of English language education in China has grown exponentially, especially at the higher education level. In response to the call for more interactive and student-centered instructional methods, the Production-Oriented Approach (POA) has been introduced. Despite the growing body of research on the effects of the POA on language learning outcomes, its impact on students’ motivation for learning English remains under-researched. Thus, this mixed-methods study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impact of the POA on Chinese university students’ motivation for English learning. The quantitative results demonstrated significant improvements in both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among the students instructed by the POA. The qualitative data supported these findings, revealing that the structured stages of the POA, along with its core principles, created a supportive and engaging learning environment. However, the study also highlighted challenges, such as the potential for students to feel overwhelmed by the demands of the approach. The importance of this study lies in its demonstration that the POA is a practical and effective method for enhancing motivation in English language learning, with significant implications for broader educational reforms aimed at creating more supportive learning environments.