Chinese EFL Learners’ Motivation Mediated by the Perceived Teacher Factors—Different Voices from Different Levels of Education

Abstract

This study examines Chinese EFL learners’ motivation at different educational levels and their perceptions of teacher-related motivators. The questionnaire survey and follow-up interview were administrated among students from junior high schools, senior high schools and universities, and the results reveal the impact of teachers’ perceived commitment on students’ motivational level together with the most motivating teacher factors identified by three student groups. With the English learning experience accumulating, students tend to place less value on teachers’ emotional support whereas rate teaching competence as the key factor for their motivation. Also, striking findings related to learners’ motivation at the tertiary level have been elucidated: first, compared with young learners, university students not only do not think that teachers’ commitment would exert much influence on their motivation but also show a tendency to follow this belief in action. Second, teachers’ capacity for knowledge transfer is rated highest by them as the most crucial motivator rather than the communicative teaching style, which is instead overwhelmingly prioritized by secondary school learners. Based on these findings, recommendations on motivational instruction for English teachers at different levels of education are suggested.