The impact of the production-oriented approach on L2 Motivational Self System and academic achievement among Chinese English majors

This quasi-experimental study examines the impact of the production-oriented approach (POA) on the L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) of Chinese college students and their English achievement. Conducted over 8 weeks in four classes ( N = 108) at a public university in Shandong Province, the study compares two experimental groups exposed to POA-based instruction with two control groups following traditional teaching methods. Data were collected via a validated 40-item L2MSS questionnaire and three English achievement tests administered in Weeks 1, 4, and 8. Statistical analyses, including independent t -tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), revealed that POA significantly enhanced students’ overall second-language (L2) motivation and English achievement, with the most consistent improvements observed in the ideal L2 self and the L2 learning experience, whereas the ought-to L2 self showed comparatively smaller change.