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Although motivational variables have been extensively examined in the context of English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL), they have received little attention when learning Chinese as a second language (CSL), especially among elementary school students in lower grades. Considering the significant impact of psychological variables on language learning and the dilemma of Chinese reading for non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students from Hong Kong, this study examined the structural relationship between the ideal L2 self and intrinsic motivation, as well as their impacts on the learning engagement and reading performance of 475 Hong Kong first-grade NCS students. Two findings were noteworthy: (1) under the simultaneous consideration of the above-mentioned variables, intrinsic motivation affects learning engagement and Chinese reading performance more than the ideal self; (2) the indirect effects of intrinsic motivation on reading performance through learning engagement are more significant than its direct effect on reading performance. The implications of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outperformance of Chinese students in large-scale international assessments has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers. This study explored the relationship between an important student factor, self-regulated learning (SRL), and Hong Kong students' reading performance on Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA). Using data from PISA 2009, this study found that Hong Kong students obtained an overall strong performance on the PISA 2009 reading assessment. They were relatively good at reflecting and evaluating and reading continuous texts. Compared with the OECD average, Hong Kong students showed better reading engagement and perceived a more positive classroom disciplinary climate in their reading lessons, but they used fewer control strategies, had poorer awareness of effective reading strategies, and perceived a lower degree of teacher stimulation and scaffolding. Reading enjoyment and control strategies were the most important SRL components facilitating Hong Kong students' reading performance, after controlling for other background variables in multilevel analysis. Possible cultural and contextual factors affecting Hong Kong students' SRL and reading performance, and their relationship are discussed to shed light for understanding the paradox of Chinese learners and improving the instructional practices in Chinese classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]