Motivational Effects of the Case Method on Chinese ESP Learners

The purpose of the present research is to investigate the motivational effects of the case method on Chinese ESP (English for Specific Purposes) learners. A questionnaire consisting of 23 items was designed and a factor analysis was conducted. Results show that the case method involves four motivational dimensions: extrinsic motivation, intrinsic motivation, competition, and self-efficacy. Our findings include: 1) The case method motivates the Chinese ESP learners both intrinsically and extrinsically; 2) The competition factor was found to have a substantial impact on Chinese ESP learners’ motivation; and 3) The case method is likely to maximize the Chinese ESP learners’ self-efficacy.