Autonomous Single Learning Interest: A New Construct That Predicts Long-Term Achievement

Conference: The Asian Conference on Education (ACE2022)
Title: Autonomous Single Learning Interest: A New Construct That Predicts Long-Term Achievement
Stream: Foreign Languages Education & Applied Linguistics (including ESL/TESL/TEFL)
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Abdullah Alamer, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

The present study evaluates a new concept called ‘autonomous single learning/language interest’ (ASLI) and assesses its applicability and predictive validity for subsequent achievement. It posits that students who have one autonomous learning interest during their study (e.g., during second language (L2) study at the university) are more likely to be successful than those who have multiple language-unrelated interests besides their study. Two subscales are needed to fully capture the concept of ASLI: (1) the single language interest (SLI) which consists of six items (with three negatively worded items) and (2) autonomous motivation which can be used from available measures in the literature such from the L2-SDT scale. Ideally, a researcher should first assess SLI and then use a measure of autonomous motivation as a moderator. At a later point, scores on L2 achievement can be collected. The present investigation involved 235 undergraduate English students who were tracked over roughly one academic year and the results indicated a reliable and valid scale of SLI. In addition, the longitudinal moderated model illustrated how SLI is related to L2 achievement after one academic year. The effect of SLI on L2 achievement is significant when learners have SLI in an autonomous manner, hence the name ASLI. However, the effect is negative when learners have SLI in a controlled manner (e.g., external pressure). The effects hold constant while controlling for students’ initial language achievement. A new scale of SLI is presented and a new horizon of research possibilities is now open for researchers.

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