ERIC Number: EJ825945
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0160-5429
EISSN: N/A
"Why Are College Foreign Language Students' Self-Efficacy, Attitude, and Motivation so Different?"
Hsieh, Pei-Hsuan
International Education, v38 n1 p76-94 Fall 2008
Simply taking foreign language courses and being exposed to the language does not guarantee successful and positive learning experiences. When examining factors that influence foreign language learning, motivation should be considered. To extend current foreign language literature, this study integrated self-efficacy and Gardners' AMTB variables to the understanding of learner motivation and achievement. Participants were 249 undergraduate students learning Spanish, German, and French. Regression results suggested that self-efficacy, positive attitude, and anxiety were good predictors of language achievement. MANOVA results revealed that students' motivation levels differed significantly based on the following student differences: 1) group status (successful or unsuccessful test results), 2) self-efficacy, and 3) heritage connection to the language they were taking. The study provides interpretations and implications of the findings. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Spanish, French, German, Anxiety, Psychological Patterns, Student Evaluation, Cultural Influences, Undergraduate Students, Test Results, Self Efficacy, Second Languages, Second Language Learning, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation, Learning Motivation, Second Language Instruction
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 420 Claxton Complex, 1126 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37996. Tel: 865-974-9505; Web site: http://cehhs.utk.edu/publications/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A