Factors Affecting Academic Performance in EFL Context: A Modeling Study

Abstract

The increasing demands to learn a foreign language, especially English, encourages researchers to analyze the dynamics of foreign language learning. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the relationship between motivational orientations, basic psychological needs, and academic performance in English class can be modeled. The research group consists of 603 students, attending various grades in a state high school. As data collection tools, Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) and Basic Needs Satisfaction in General (BNSG) were administered. Data were analyzed via SPSS 17.0 and AMOS 21.0 software program through Structural Equation Model. Results indicate that academic performance in the English course is merely affected by autonomy and attitude, which are among the components of motivational orientation and basic psychological needs. In addition, competence and interest in foreign languages are the remote determiners of academic performance.

Keywords

• motivational orientations, basic psychological needs, academic achievement.

FACTORS AFFECTING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN EFL CONTEXT: A MODELING STUDY

Öz

Dil öğrenme ve özellikle İngilizce öğrenme konusundaki talep, araştırmacıları yabancı dil öğrenmeyi etkileyen dinamikleri araştırmaya teşvik etmektedir. Bu araştırmanın amacı motivasyonel eğilimler, temel psikolojik ihtiyaçlar ve İngilizce dersindeki akademik başarı arsındaki ilişkinin modellenebilip modellenemeyeceğini araştırmaktır. Araştırmanın örneklemini bir devlet okulunda okuyan 603 lise öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada very toplama aracı olarak Tutum Motivasyon Test Havuzu (AMTB) ve Genel Temel İhtiyaç Doyumu (BNSG) ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Toplanan verilerin analizi SPSS 17.0 paket programı ve AMOS 21.0 yazılım programında Yapısal Eşitlik Modeli ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın sonuçları İngilizce dersindeki akademik başarının temel olarak, motivasyonel eğilim ve temel psikolojik ihtiyaçların unsurları olan özerklik ve tutumdan etkilendiğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca, yeterlik ve ilginin de dil öğrenme başarısının uzak belirleyicileri olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• motivasyonel eğilimler, temel psikolojik ihtiyaçlar, akademik başarı.

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