2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The Effect of English-Speaking Role Models on the Motivation to Learn English of Japanese University Students
| Project/Area Number |
20K00769
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| Research Institution | Kitami Institute of Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | peer modeling / self-efficacy / coping strategies / self-regulation / internalization / possible selves / language learning / motivation |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The main research achievement: "Effects of the Internalization of Peer-Modeled Self-efficacy on Coping with L2 Communication Stress" by Jennifer Claro was published.
Abstract: This mixed-methods study explores the self-regulation of two Japanese university students in response to the stressful situation of feeling unable to communicate effectively in English with foreigners. Qualitative data from interviews are used to interpret the quantitative results of the two students, who were part of an online intercultural Japan-Canada university exchange in which half of the communication was in English. Due to the reality check of using English for communication with foreigners, both students realized that their English communication skills were weak. Self-efficacy and coping strategies modeled by peers were internalized by one student who could subsequently cope with the demands of interacting in English, and who developed a challenge orientation and set a new goal as a result. The other student became demotivated and withdrew over time. Theories related to stress and coping, self-efficacy, peer modeling, internalization, self-regulation, and possible selves are incorporated to provide a multi- dimensional view of the processes involved in the self-regulation of these students. By looking at the experiences of the two students at the individual level, insight may be gained into the reasons behind student engagement in and withdrawal from L2 learning processes. In particular, the importance of peer modeling to positive changes in student actual and ideal selves is examined.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
I plan to write another article using the results of the intercultural exchange. I have started analyzing the data but have not started writing the article yet. I hope to finish the article this October.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Promotion: After finishing analysis of results, they will be shared by publication, as well as by presentation at upcoming conferences if COVID does not prevent this.
In future research, I plan to investigate the effect of role models on student motivation to improve their TOEIC scores. At my university, students are engineering majors. Many of them are hoping for a good TOEIC score by the time of job-hunting in their 3rd year of study. However, in their first year, many of them have low scores. Most students study by themselves to try to improve their TOEIC scores.
But my research shows that working together in small groups is an effective way to motivate students. Role models are also essential for motivation. I plan to design a research study that will investigate the effect of small-group study and role models on effort to increase student TOEIC scores.
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