An Empirical Study of College English PAD Class Based on Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

Motivation is one of the important factors that affect the success of foreign language learning. It determines the participation, consciousness, enthusiasm and persistence of foreign language learners. Based on the self-determination theory, this study conducted a survey of 280 non-English majors from a university in southern China through questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to investigate how college English PAD Class meet the basic psychological needs of students’ autonomy, competence and relatedness. The data of the questionnaire were described and analyzed using SPSS statistical software and the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as a method. The results show that PAD Class has a good effect in mobilizing students' initiative in learning, promoting the development of students' thinking ability, and building a harmonious teacher-student relationship. The advanced teaching concept and rigorous teaching design adopted in PAD Class have certain enlightening significance for teaching reform.