Jingyan Li

Two Perspectives on 'crazy English': Pedagogical Principles and Motivational Forces Jingyan Li

?Crazy English? (CE) is a radical and popular English training program in China. It has been controversial since advent. The Founder claims that CE is a revolution in learning English. Academics, however, have been critical of CE?s unorthodox teaching practices, extravagant claims of learning outcomes and unabashed pursuit of commercial success. Yet a decade on, it is clearly more than a passing phenomenon. Indeed, CE seems to have formed a subculture in China. But the existing knowledge about CE is inadequate. To seek for this knowledge, the book examines CE's espoused concepts and values of foreign language learning,its pedagogical practices and motivational influences. Results show that CE classroom activities are underpinned by a blend of theoretical approaches and practices. As well, CE is sophisticated and conscious of applying motivating strategies at different stages in learning. The book is significant in that it contributes to a better knowledge and an adequate understanding of the CE phenomenon, and making CE practices known to other practitioners will enable them to find something of value in their approach and methods.