Language Learning Motivation

The importance of demotivation in language learning has been overshadowed in the commonplace research on language learning motivation and even in mainstream psychology (Dörnyei, 2005). The purpose behind conducting this study was to investigate the relationship between students’ demotives for studying in general and English language in particular. Besides, the importance of educational context was investigated through explaining the changes in students’ responses based on the type of university and gender. In Iran, university education is highly important for youngsters and the type of university with their various contexts is determining for their future. There are popular state universities among which one technical university as well as its satellite campus were selected. Besides, a distance-education and a unisexual university were represented in the present sample, overall comprising 194 bachelor students of different majors. Consequently, the factors considered as demotives are ranked, elaborated on and analyzed in order to shed light on the educational context-specific demotives and the pros and cons of current practices of EFL instruction in the universities.

This study introduces a model to test the impact of cultural intelligence (CQ) on the listening anxiety. In so doing, reflective thinking (RT) and language learning motivation (LLM) were considered as the predictor roles. To examine the model, a non-experimental correlation research design was adopted. To collect the data, four scales, Ang et al. (2007) CQ, Kim’s (2000) LA, Noels et al. (2000) LLM, and Kember et al. (2000) RT were distributed via Porsline online survey tool among EFL learners.  Following Byrne (2010) guidelines for the sample size, a sample of 250 (n= 117 male and n=133 female) students were randomly selected using a cluster random sampling method at multistage from 23 language institutes. Notably, each student was asked to fill out four questionnaires. Thus, a total of 1000 questionnaires were disseminated digitally via the portal. In total, 815 questionnaires were collected but 185 cases were deemed invalid during the initial examination process. The SEM analysis was performed using the SPSS and AMOS 21 software packages. The results showed that CQ, RT, and LLM made significant unique contributions as the predictors of LA, with a predictive power of (R2 = .47). Specifically, CQ, RT, and LLM collectively accounted for 47% of the variance in LA through both direct and indirect pathways. Accordingly, teachers may consider enhancing learners’ RT to foster listening skill. Besides, high level of CQ can help decrease anxiety in listening skills. The results and implications for reducing LA are further elaborated upon.