Skip to main content
Log in

Second Language Learners’ Self-efficacy and English Achievement: the Mediating Role of Integrative Motivation

第二語言學習者的自我效能與英語學習成就:整合型動機的中介作用

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
English Teaching & Learning Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In studying second language (L2) learners’ motivation, much research has focused on belief in one’s ability to succeed at achieving language proficiency. However, only limited research has examined whether learners’ L2 self-efficacy is related to integrative motivation, or whether it is related to English achievement in a foreign language context. In this study, we investigated whether integrative motivation mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and English achievement, employing data from 102 eighth-grade adolescent learners in Korea. In a mediation model, with the relations among self-efficacy and integrative motivation variables examined simultaneously, there was definitive evidence that self-efficacy directly influenced English achievement. Adolescent L2 learners’ self-efficacy influenced English achievement indirectly through its effect on integrative motivation. Adolescents with higher self-efficacy reported more integrative motivation, and greater integrative motivation was associated with higher English achievement. The findings suggest that an L2 learner’s integrative motivation plays a prominent role in the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs and English achievement in a foreign language classroom.

摘要

在研究第二語言(L2)學習者的動機時, 許多研究都聚焦在關於語言能力自我信念的議題。然而, 少有研究探討外語學習者的自我效能是否與整 合型動機有關, 或者是否與外語學習成就有關。本研究採用了韓國102名八年級青少年的數據, 探討了綜合動機是否在自我效能和英語成就之間 產生中介效應。在中介模型中, 自我效能和整合型動機這兩個變量同時被檢驗, 有明確的證據顯示自我效能直接影響了英語成就, 且青少年第 二語言學習者的自我效能藉由對整合型動機的影響間接地影響英語成就。自我效能感較高的青少年能有更多的整合型動機, 而更大的整合型動 機與更高的英語成就亦存在著顯著相關。研究結果顯示, 在外語的課堂中, 第二語言學習者的整合型動機在自我效能信念與英語成就間扮演了 顯著的角色。

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Al-Hoorie, A. H. (2018). The L2 motivational self system: a meta-analysis. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8(4), 721–754. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2018.8.4.2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Atkinson, J. W. (1957). Motivational determinants of risk-taking behavior. Psychological Review, 64(6, Pt.1), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0043445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Bandura, A. (1982). Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 37(2), 122–147. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.37.2.122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Bandura, A. (2006). Adolescent development from an agentic perspective. In F. Pajares & T. Urdan (Eds.), Self-efficacy beliefs of adolescents (pp. 1–43). Information Age Publishing.

  6. Bong, M. (2005). Within-grade changes in Korean girls’ motivation and perceptions of the learning environment across domains and achievement levels. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97(4), 656–672. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.97.4.656.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Boo, Z., Dörnyei, Z., & Ryan, S. (2015). L2 motivation research 2005–2014: Understanding a publication surge and a changing landscape. System, 55, 145–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2015.10.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Chen, P., & Zimmerman, B. (2007). A cross-national comparison study on the accuracy of self-efficacy beliefs of middle-school mathematics students. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 221–244. https://doi.org/10.3200/JEXE.75.3.221-244.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Dörnyei, Z. (1990). Conceptualizing motivation in foreign language learning. Language Learning, 40(1), 46–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1990.tb00954.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2014). Teaching and researching motivation (2nd ed.). Routledge.

  11. Duncan, T. G., & McKeachie, W. J. (2005). The making of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. Educational Psychologist, 40(2), 117–128. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4002_6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2020). From expectancy-value theory to situated expectancy-value theory: a developmental, social cognitive, and sociocultural perspective on motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101859.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Erler, L., & Macaro, E. (2011). Decoding ability in French as a foreign language learning motivation. The Modern Language Journal, 95(4), 496–518. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2011.01238.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social psychology and second language learning: the role of attitudes and motivation. Edward Arnold.

  15. Gardner, R. C. (2001). Integrative motivation and second language acquisition. In Z. Dörnyei & R. Schmidt (Eds.), Motivation and second language acquisition (pp. 1–19). University of Hawaii Press.

  16. Gardner, R. C. (2010). Motivation and second language acquisition: the socio-educational model. Peter Lang.

  17. Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (1959). Motivational variables in second language acquisition. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 13(4), 266–272. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0083787.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Gardner, R. C., Masgoret, A.-M., Tennant, J., & Mihic, L. (2004). Integrative motivation: changes during a year-long intermediate-level language course. Language Learning, 54(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2004.00247.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Gaspard, H., Wigfield, A., Jiang, Y., Nagengast, B., Trautwein, U., & Marsh, H. W. (2018). Dimensional comparisons: how academic track students’ achievements are related to their expectancy and value beliefs across multiple domains. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 52, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2017.10.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Grolnick, W. S., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (1991). Inner resources for school achievement: motivational mediators of children’s perceptions of their parents. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(4), 508–517. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.83.4.508.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Guilloteaux, M.-J. (2013). Motivational strategies for the language classroom: perceptions of Korean secondary school English teachers. System, 41(1), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2012.12.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Hernández, T. (2006). Integrative motivation as a predictor of success in the intermediate foreign language classroom. Foreign Language Annals, 39(4), 605–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2006.tb02279.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Hsieh, P. P., & Kang, H. (2010). Attribution and self-efficacy and their interrelationship in the Korean EFL context. Language Learning, 60(3), 606–627. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2010.00570.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Khodadad, M., & Kaur, J. (2016). Causal relationship between integrative motivation, self-efficacy, strategy use and English language achievement. The Southeast Asia Journal of English Language Studies, 22(3), 111–125. https://doi.org/10.17576/3L-2016-2203-08.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Kim, K.-J. (2016). Korean secondary school students’ EFL learning motivation structure and its changes: a longitudinal study. English Teaching, 71(2), 141–162.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Kim, T.-Y. (2017). EFL learning motivation and influence of private education: cross-grade survey results. English Teaching, 72(3), 25–46. https://doi.org/10.15858/engtea.72.3.201709.25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Kim, T.-Y., & Kim, Y. (2019). EFL learning motivation in Korea: historical background and current situation. In M. Lamb, K. Csizér, A. Henry, & S. Ryan (Eds.), The Palgrave handbook of motivation for language learning (pp. 411–428). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28380-3_20.

  28. Kim, T.-Y., Kim, Y., & Kim, J.-Y. (2018). A qualitative inquiry on EFL learning demotivation and resilience: a study of primary and secondary EFL students in South Korea. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 27(1), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-017-0365-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Kim, Y.-S. (2004). Exploring the role of integrative orientation in Korean EFL environment. English Teaching, 59(3), 77–91.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Komarraju, M., & Nadler, D. (2013). Self-efficacy and academic achievement: why do implicit beliefs, goals, and effort regulation matter? Learning and Individual Differences, 25, 67–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2013.01.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Koopman, J., Howe, M., Hollenbeck, J. P., & Sin, H. P. (2015). Small sample mediation testing: misplaced confidence in bootstrapped confidence intervals. Journal of Applied Psychology, 100(1), 194–202. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Korean Ministry of Education. (2017). Retrieved from https://moe.go.kr/boardCnts/view.do?boardID=316&lev=0&statusYN=C&s=moe&m=0302&opType=N&boardSeq=71805

  33. Lasagabaster, D. (2011). English achievement and student motivation in CLIL and EFL settings. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 5(1), 3–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2010.519030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Li, P., & Pan, G. (2009). The relationship between motivation and achievement—a survey of the study motivation of English majors in Qingdao Agricultural University. English Language Teaching, 2(1), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v2n1p123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Linnenbrink, E. A., & Pintrich, P. R. (2003). The role of self-efficacy beliefs in student engagement and learning in the classroom. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 119–137. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Makarchuk, D. (2005). Integrative motivation and EFL learning in South Korea. The Korea TESOL Journal, 8(1), 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Masgoret, A.-M., & Gardner, R. C. (2003). Attitudes, motivation, and second language learning: a meta-analysis of studies conducted by Gardner and associates. Language Learning, 53(S1), 167–210. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9922.00227.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Möller, J., Zitzmann, S., Helm, F., Machts, N., & Wolff, F. (2020). A meta-analysis of relations between achievement and self-concept. Review of Educational Research, 90(3), 376–419. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320919354.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Multon, K. D., Brown, S. D., & Lent, R. W. (1991). Relation of self-efficacy beliefs to academic outcomes: a meta-analytic investigation. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 38(1), 30–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Oxford, R., & Shearin, J. (1994). Language learning motivation: expanding the theoretical framework. The Modern Language Journal, 78(1), 12–28. https://doi.org/10.2307/329249.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Papi, M., & Abdollahzadeh, E. (2012). Teacher motivational practice, student motivation, and possible L2 selves: an examination in the Iranian EFL context. Language Learning, 62(2), 571–594. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2011.00632.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Pintrich, P. R., & de Groot, E. V. (1990). Motivational and self-regulated learning components of classroom academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(1), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.82.1.33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Pintrich, P. R., Smith, D. A. F., Garcia, T., & McKeachie, W. J. (1991). A manual for the use of the motivated strategies for learning questionnaire (MSLQ). National Center for Research to Improve Postsecondary Teaching and Learning.

  44. Pintrich, P. R., Smith, D. A. F., Garcia, T., & McKeachie, W. J. (1993). Reliability and predictive validity of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Educational and Psychological Measurement, 53, 801–813. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164493053003024.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Preacher, K. J., & Hayes, A. F. (2008). Asymptotic and resampling strategies for assessing and comparing indirect effects in multiple mediator models. Behavior Research Methods, 40, 879–891. https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.40.3.879.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Raoofi, S., Tan, B. H., & Chan, S. H. (2012). Self-efficacy in second/foreign language learning contexts. English Language Teaching, 5(11), 60–73. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v5n11p60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Robbins, S. B., Lauver, K., Le, H., Davis, D., Langley, R., & Carlstrom, A. (2004). Do psychosocial and study skill factors predict college outcomes? A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 130(2), 261–288. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.2.261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Shim, J., Kim, J., & Park, H. (2012). A study of English learning motivation for Korean high school student in a new town. English21, 25(4), 373–394. https://doi.org/10.35771/engdoi.2012.25.4.017.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Song, B., & Kim, T.-Y. (2016). Teacher (de)motivation from an Activity Theory perspective: cases of two experienced EFL teachers in South Korea. System, 57, 134–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2016.02.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Song, B., & Kim, T.-Y. (2017). The dynamics of demotivation and remotivation among Korean high school EFL students. System, 65, 90–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2016.12.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. StataCorp. (2019). Stata statistical software: Release 16. StataCorp LLC..

  52. Tofighi, D., & Kelley, K. (2019). Indirect effects in sequential mediation models: evaluating methods for hypothesis testing and confidence interval formation. Multivariate Behavioral Research, 55(2), 188–210. https://doi.org/10.1080/00273171.2019.1618545.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Wang, C., Schwab, G., Fenn, P., & Chang, M. (2013). Self-efficacy and self-regulated learning strategies for English language learners: comparison between Chinese and German college students. Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, 3(1), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.5539/jedp.v3n1p173.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Warden, C. A., & Lin, H. J. (2000). Existence of integrative motivation in an Asian EFL setting. Foreign Language Annals, 33(5), 535–547. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2000.tb01997.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2000). Expectancy–value theory of achievement motivation. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Wigfield, A., & Eccles, J. S. (2020). 35 years of research on students’ subjective task values and motivation: a look back and a look forward. In A. Elliot (Ed.), Advances in motivation science: Vol. 7 (pp. 162–198). Elsvier.

  57. Wigfield, A., Eccles, J. S., & Möller, J. (2020). How dimensional comparisons help to understand linkages between expectancies, values, performance, and choice. Educational Psychology Review, 32(3), 657–680. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09524-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Zimmerman, B. J., Bandura, A., & Martinez-Pons, M. (1992). Self-motivation for academic attainment: the role of self-efficacy beliefs and personal goal setting. American Educational Research Journal, 29(3), 663–676. https://doi.org/10.3102/00028312029003663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Zimmerman, B. J., & Kitsantas, A. (2005). Homework practices and academic achievement: the mediating role of self-efficacy and perceived responsibility beliefs. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 30(4), 397–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2005.05.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hye Won Shin.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kim, S.H., Shin, H.W. Second Language Learners’ Self-efficacy and English Achievement: the Mediating Role of Integrative Motivation. English Teaching & Learning 45, 325–338 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42321-021-00083-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42321-021-00083-5

Keywords

關鍵詞

Navigation