Research Article
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Scaling the Factors Affecting Learning and Teaching English at University Preparatory Class

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 105 - 123, 01.01.2026
https://doi.org/10.71362/eltrj.1777245
https://izlik.org/JA97FW34XC

Abstract

This study aims to scale the significance rankings of the factors affecting learning English according to students who have been placed at an English-medium instruction university in Turkiye for the 2024-2025 academic year and the factors affecting teaching English for the instructors employed at different preparatory schools at different universities. Quantitative research method has been deployed in this study. The factors have been determined after a literature review, consultations, and pilot studies. 11 factors have been ranked by using a questionnaire form. Data have been collected from 546 students and from 134 instructors and analysed through a statistical software. The students ranked “effort, interest, health, previous experience, learning strategies, school system, task difficulty, teacher support, classroom atmosphere, family support, and luck” in their order of significance.The rank of significance by all instructors is student participation, teaching language learning strategies, classroom management, asking guiding questions, giving oral and/or written feedback, class size, sharing expectations from students with students, instructor experience, integrating fun and/or game, collaboration with colleagues and following current approaches related to ELT. The findings have been evaluated under the scope of Causal Attribution Theory by Weiner, and conclusions have been drawn.

References

  • Bıçak, B. (2019). Investigation of the causal attributions of university preparatory class students regarding their success and failure (Master’s thesis). [Middle East Technical University].
  • Björkman, B. (2011). English as a lingua franca in higher education: Implications for EAP. Ibérica, 22, 79–100. Carlsen, C. H. (2018). Proficiency level as an independent variable in English-medium instruction research. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8(2), 269–292. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2018.8.2.6
  • Cicillini, S. (2021). English language entry requirements in EMI degree programmes at bachelor level in Italy. 44, 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1285/i22390359v44p53
  • Çağatay, S. (2018). The effectiveness of attribution retraining on language learners’s attributions, future self-guides and motivated effort and behaviour. (Thesis No. 516373) [Doctorate thesis, Hacettepe University]. National Thesis Centre.
  • Efe, A., & Özer, O. (2015). A corpus-based discourse analysis of mission and vision statements of universities in Turkey. Higher Education Research & Development, 34(6), 1110–1122. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1024628
  • Erkut, E. (2022b). Sistem çaresiz eğitim sizde. Doğan Kitap. 107-109.
  • Hashemnezhad, H. (2021). Factors influencing English language learning among Iranian university students: A qualitative study. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(2), 905–922. https://doi.org/10.52462/jlls.67
  • Hocaoğlu, N. (2019). Nicel araştırma modelleri- desenleri. Eğitimde bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri. https://doi.org.10.14527/9786052419649.02.
  • Höl, D. (2016). Exploring locus of control orientations of Turkish EFL learners and the relationship between attributional retraining and academic achievement: An application of an educational training programme. (Thesis No. 423005) [Doctorate thesis, Çanakkale On Sekiz Mart University].National Thesis Centre.
  • Hsieh, P. H. P., & Schallert, D. L. (2008). Implications from self-efficacy and attribution theories for an understanding of undergraduates’ motivation in a foreign language course. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 33(4), 513–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2008.01.003
  • McAuley, E., Duncan, T. E., & Russell, D. W. (1992). Measuring causal attributions: The revised Causal Dimension Scale (CDSII). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(5), 566–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167292185006
  • McAuley, E., Duncan, T. E., & Russell, D. W. (1992). Measuring causal attributions: The Revised Causal Dimension Scale (CDS II). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(5), 566–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167292185006
  • Özer, B ve Korkmaz, C. (2016). Yabancı dil öğretiminde öğrenci başarısını etkileyen unsurlar. EKEV Akademi Dergisi, 67, 59-84.
  • QS Quacquarelli Symonds. (2025). QS World University Rankings 2025. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.topuniversities.com/
  • Resmî Gazete. (2016). Preparation class regulations for higher education institutions. Government of Turkey Official Gazette. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/
  • Semiz, Ö. (2011). The effects of A training program on attributional beliefs, self-efficacy, language learning beliefs, achievement and student effort: A study on motivationally at risk EFL students. (Thesis No. 299744) [Doctorate Thesis, Atatürk University]. National Thesis Centre
  • Srisopha, K. (2022). Factors affecting English language learning of Thai students at the National Sports University. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(4), 721–729. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1304.07
  • Taşkıran, A. (2010). Exploring EFL students’ causal attributions of perceived success and failure in language learning process. (Thesis No. 262334) [Master’s thesis, Anadolu University]. National Thesis Centre.
  • Taşkıran, A. ve Pan, H. (2024). EFL learners’ attributions and causal dimensionality styles in the Chinese higher education context. IAFOR Journal Of Education: Language Learning in Education, 12(1), 93-121.
  • Times Higher Education. (2025). World Reputation Rankings 2025. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/
  • Torgerson, W. S. (1958). Theory and methods of scaling. Wiley.
  • Turgut, M. F., & Baykul, Y. (1992). Ölçekleme teknikleri [Scaling techniques]. ÖSYM Yayınları.
  • Wachter, B. ve Maiworm, F. (2014) English-taught programmes in European higher education: The state of play in 2014. ACA Papers on International Cooperation in Education. Lemmens.
  • Weiner B. ve Frieze I.H. (1971). Perceiving the causes of success and failure. General Learning Press.
  • Weiner B.(1972) Attribution theory, achievement motivation and the educational process. Review of Educational Research, 42(2), 204-215.
  • Weiner, B. (1985). An attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion. Psychological Review, 92(4), 548–573. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.92.4.548
  • Yenen, E.T. (2022) Öğretmenlerin mesleki yeterliklerini etkileyen faktörler. MANAS Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1),27-45.
  • Zohri, A. (2011). Causal attributions for failure and the effect of gender among Moroccan EFL university learners. English Language Teaching, 4(4), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n4p130.

İngilizce Hazırlık Sınıfında Öğrenme ve Öğretme Sürecini Etkileyen Faktörlerin Ölçeklenmesi

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 105 - 123, 01.01.2026
https://doi.org/10.71362/eltrj.1777245
https://izlik.org/JA97FW34XC

Abstract

Bu çalışma, 2024-2025 akademik yılında Türkiye’de İngilizce eğitim veren bir üniversiteye yerleştirilen öğrencilerin İngilizce öğrenimini etkileyen faktörleri ve farklı üniversitelerdeki hazırlık okullarında görev yapan öğretim görevlilerinin İngilizce öğretimini etkileyen faktörleri önem sırasına göre derecelendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmada nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Faktörler alan yazın taraması, görüşmeler ve pilot çalışmalar sonucunda belirlenmiştir. 11 faktör bir anket formu aracılığıyla sıralandırılmıştır. Veriler 546 öğrenciden ve 134 öğretim görevlisinden toplanmış, istatistiksel bir yazılım aracılığıyla analiz edilmiştir.Öğrenciler önem sırasına göre şu faktörleri sıralamıştır: çaba, ilgi, sağlık, önceki deneyim, öğrenme stratejileri, okul sistemi, görev zorluğu, öğretmen desteği, sınıf atmosferi, aile desteği ve şans.Tüm öğretim görevlilerinin önem sırasına göre belirlediği faktörler ise şunlardır: öğrenci katılımı, dil öğrenme stratejilerini öğretme, sınıf yönetimi, yönlendirici sorular sorma, sözlü ve/veya yazılı dönüt verme, sınıf mevcudu, öğrencilerden beklentileri öğrencilerle paylaşma, öğretim görevlisinin deneyimi, eğlence ve/veya oyun katma, meslektaşlarla iş birliği yapma ve İngilizce öğretimine (ELT) ilişkin güncel yaklaşımları takip etme.Bulgular Weiner’ın Nedensel Atıf Teorisi kapsamında değerlendirilmiş ve sonuçlar ortaya konmuştur.

References

  • Bıçak, B. (2019). Investigation of the causal attributions of university preparatory class students regarding their success and failure (Master’s thesis). [Middle East Technical University].
  • Björkman, B. (2011). English as a lingua franca in higher education: Implications for EAP. Ibérica, 22, 79–100. Carlsen, C. H. (2018). Proficiency level as an independent variable in English-medium instruction research. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8(2), 269–292. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2018.8.2.6
  • Cicillini, S. (2021). English language entry requirements in EMI degree programmes at bachelor level in Italy. 44, 53-66. https://doi.org/10.1285/i22390359v44p53
  • Çağatay, S. (2018). The effectiveness of attribution retraining on language learners’s attributions, future self-guides and motivated effort and behaviour. (Thesis No. 516373) [Doctorate thesis, Hacettepe University]. National Thesis Centre.
  • Efe, A., & Özer, O. (2015). A corpus-based discourse analysis of mission and vision statements of universities in Turkey. Higher Education Research & Development, 34(6), 1110–1122. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1024628
  • Erkut, E. (2022b). Sistem çaresiz eğitim sizde. Doğan Kitap. 107-109.
  • Hashemnezhad, H. (2021). Factors influencing English language learning among Iranian university students: A qualitative study. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17(2), 905–922. https://doi.org/10.52462/jlls.67
  • Hocaoğlu, N. (2019). Nicel araştırma modelleri- desenleri. Eğitimde bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri. https://doi.org.10.14527/9786052419649.02.
  • Höl, D. (2016). Exploring locus of control orientations of Turkish EFL learners and the relationship between attributional retraining and academic achievement: An application of an educational training programme. (Thesis No. 423005) [Doctorate thesis, Çanakkale On Sekiz Mart University].National Thesis Centre.
  • Hsieh, P. H. P., & Schallert, D. L. (2008). Implications from self-efficacy and attribution theories for an understanding of undergraduates’ motivation in a foreign language course. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 33(4), 513–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2008.01.003
  • McAuley, E., Duncan, T. E., & Russell, D. W. (1992). Measuring causal attributions: The revised Causal Dimension Scale (CDSII). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(5), 566–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167292185006
  • McAuley, E., Duncan, T. E., & Russell, D. W. (1992). Measuring causal attributions: The Revised Causal Dimension Scale (CDS II). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(5), 566–573. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167292185006
  • Özer, B ve Korkmaz, C. (2016). Yabancı dil öğretiminde öğrenci başarısını etkileyen unsurlar. EKEV Akademi Dergisi, 67, 59-84.
  • QS Quacquarelli Symonds. (2025). QS World University Rankings 2025. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.topuniversities.com/
  • Resmî Gazete. (2016). Preparation class regulations for higher education institutions. Government of Turkey Official Gazette. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/
  • Semiz, Ö. (2011). The effects of A training program on attributional beliefs, self-efficacy, language learning beliefs, achievement and student effort: A study on motivationally at risk EFL students. (Thesis No. 299744) [Doctorate Thesis, Atatürk University]. National Thesis Centre
  • Srisopha, K. (2022). Factors affecting English language learning of Thai students at the National Sports University. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(4), 721–729. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1304.07
  • Taşkıran, A. (2010). Exploring EFL students’ causal attributions of perceived success and failure in language learning process. (Thesis No. 262334) [Master’s thesis, Anadolu University]. National Thesis Centre.
  • Taşkıran, A. ve Pan, H. (2024). EFL learners’ attributions and causal dimensionality styles in the Chinese higher education context. IAFOR Journal Of Education: Language Learning in Education, 12(1), 93-121.
  • Times Higher Education. (2025). World Reputation Rankings 2025. Retrieved on 02.09.2025 from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/
  • Torgerson, W. S. (1958). Theory and methods of scaling. Wiley.
  • Turgut, M. F., & Baykul, Y. (1992). Ölçekleme teknikleri [Scaling techniques]. ÖSYM Yayınları.
  • Wachter, B. ve Maiworm, F. (2014) English-taught programmes in European higher education: The state of play in 2014. ACA Papers on International Cooperation in Education. Lemmens.
  • Weiner B. ve Frieze I.H. (1971). Perceiving the causes of success and failure. General Learning Press.
  • Weiner B.(1972) Attribution theory, achievement motivation and the educational process. Review of Educational Research, 42(2), 204-215.
  • Weiner, B. (1985). An attributional theory of achievement motivation and emotion. Psychological Review, 92(4), 548–573. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.92.4.548
  • Yenen, E.T. (2022) Öğretmenlerin mesleki yeterliklerini etkileyen faktörler. MANAS Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1),27-45.
  • Zohri, A. (2011). Causal attributions for failure and the effect of gender among Moroccan EFL university learners. English Language Teaching, 4(4), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n4p130.
There are 28 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Language Acquisition
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Tuğba Özbek 0009-0008-1266-4011

Emre Toprak 0000-0002-4131-4888

Submission Date September 3, 2025
Acceptance Date November 4, 2025
Publication Date January 1, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.71362/eltrj.1777245
IZ https://izlik.org/JA97FW34XC
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 14 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Özbek, T., & Toprak, E. (2026). Scaling the Factors Affecting Learning and Teaching English at University Preparatory Class. ELT Research Journal, 14(2), 105-123. https://doi.org/10.71362/eltrj.1777245