Abstract: This study is aimed at clarifying misunderstanding of motivation in the middle school. Based on the literature review regarding the definition and the classification of motivation, especially the two kinds of motivation theories---behavioral learning motivation and reinforcement theory, the author focuses on the analysis of the problems with the practice of using motivation in classroom teaching. Then three suggested ways are proposed for the proper use of motivation: a positive classroom atmosphere should be created, intrinsic motivation should be cultivated and learning strategies should be effectively trained. It is concluded that the practice of misunderstanding motivation theories has a bad effect on students’ language learning and therefore it is necessary for teachers of English in the middle school to establish correct understanding of motivation theories and to properly use them in classroom teaching.
Key words: motivation ,misunderstanding, English learning，English teaching
摘要：本文旨在澄清中学教师对动机理论的误解。基于相关文献对动机的定义和分类，尤其是两种动机理论：行为主义动机理论和强化动机理论，本文重点分析了动机在课堂运用的问题。通过分析作者提出了激发学生动机的三种方法：创设积极的课堂气氛，培养学生的内在动机和教授学生学习策略。教师对动机理论的错误实践会对学生的语言学习产生负面影响，因此有必要使中学教师正确认识动机理论进而合理地在教学中运用这些理论。
关键词：学习动机，误解，英语学习，英语教学，解决方法
