Tertiary English students' learning motivation and critical thinking skills
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32505/inspira.v4i1.5503Keywords:
critical thinking, EFL learner, learning motivation, tertiary English studentsAbstract
This paper highlights the importance of learning motivation and critical thinking skills to an EFL learner. Apart from gaining language ability in speaking, reading, listening, and writing, an EFL learner must also be equipped with other factors or skills to succeed. Hence, this study aimed to determine how much learning motivation correlates with critical thinking skills amongst tertiary English Language Education Department students at Universitas Islam Indonesia. By deploying a purposive sampling technique, 50 participants were involved in this study. It comprises 16 male students (32%) and 34 female students (68%). Critical thinking and learning motivation questionnaires were utilized to garner the data, and the data were further analyzed using the product-moment correlation. This study also utilizes in-depth interviews to gain more perspective on critical thinking, learning motivation, and how it shapes behavior. The results demonstrated that learning motivation positively and significantly correlated with critical thinking skills. Across varied levels, contexts, and periods, the current study confirmed the persistent theory concerning the correlation between learning motivation and critical thinking, as prior related studies already demonstrated. Further studies are called to be conducted by engaging a more significant number of samples to reveal broader insights
References
Abbasi, A., & Izadpanah, D. S. (2018). The relationship between critical thinking, its subscales and academic achievement of English language course: The predictability of educational success based on critical thinking. Academy Journal of Educational Sciences, 2(2), 91–105. https://doi.org/10.31805/acjes.445545
Afshar, H. S., Movassagh, H., & Arbabi, H. R. (2017). The interrelationship among critical thinking, writing an argumentative essay in an L2 and their subskills. The Language Learning Journal, 45(4), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2017.1320420
Alcoberes, P. J. N. (2016). The author-initiated discourses in the selected English textbooks in Southeast Asia: A world Englishes paradigm. Asian Englishes, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13488678.2015.1132109
Azin, N., & Tabrizi, H. H. (2016). The relationship between critical thinking ability of Iranian English translation students and their translation ability. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 6(3), 541. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0603.12
Badrkoohi, A. (2018). The relationship between demotivation and intercultural communicative competence. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.S1080/2331186X.2018.1531741
Bankole-Minaflinou, E. (2019). Promoting critical thinking skills in EFL university students in Benin. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, 8(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.23.2019.81.1.13
Bensley, D. A., Rainey, C., Murtagh, M. P., Flinn, J. A., Maschiocchi, C., Bernhardt, P. C., & Kuehne, S. (2016). Closing the assessment loop on critical thinking: The challenges of multidimensional testing and low test-taking motivation. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 21, 158–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2016.06.006
Berger, K., Cianelli, R., Valenzuela, J., Villegas, N., Blazquez, C., Toledo, C., & Ram, R. (2020). Motivation for critical thinking in nursing students in Chile. Hispanic Health Care International, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540415320970110
Byram, M., & Wenger, M. (2018). Making a difference: Language teaching for intercultural and international dialogue. Foreign Language Annals, January 2018, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12319
Chandrasoma, R., & Ananda, L. (2017). Intertextualizing interactive texts for critical thinking: A South Korean EFL experience. Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, 115–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427587.2017.1357038
Chen, M. A., & Hwang, G. (2020). Effects of experiencing authentic contexts on English speaking performances, anxiety and motivation of EFL students with different cognitive styles. Interactive Learning Environments, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1734626
Cholisoh, L., Fatimah, S., & Yuniasih, F. (2015). Critical thinking skills in integrated science learning viewed from learning motivation. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Indonesia, 11(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpfi .v11i2.4241
Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five approaches (2nd ed.). SAGE publications, Inc.
Dörnyei, Z., & Ryan., S. (2015). The psychology of the language learner revisited. Routledge, 274. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315779553
Ebrahimzadeh, M., & Alavi, S. (2016). Motivating EFL students: E-learning enjoyment as a predictor of vocabulary learning through digital video games. Cogent Education, 3, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2016.1255400
Etemadfar, P., Mohammad, S., & Soozandehfar, A. (2020). An account of EFL learners’ listening comprehension and critical thinking in the flipped classroom model. Cogent Education, 7(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1835150
Fajari, L. E. W., Sarwanto, & Chumdari. (2020). Student critical thinking skills and learning motivation in elementary students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1440/1/012104
Fang, F. (2019). Re-positioning accent attitude in the global Englishes paradigm: A critical phenomenological case study in the Chinese context. Routledge. http://doi.org/10.4324/9781351061308
Fatmawati, A., Zubaidah, S., Mahanal, S., & Sutopo. (2019). Critical thinking, creative thinking, and learning achievement: How they are related. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1417(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1417/1/012070
Firmansyah, A., & Rizal, R. (2019). Potret keterampilan berpikir kritis dan motivasi berprestasi mahasiswa PGSD Universitas Tadulako. Jurnal Inspirasi Pendidikan, 9(2), 103–109. https://doi.org/10.21067/jip.v9i2.3323
Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004
Galante, A. (2015). Intercultural communicative competence in English language teaching: Towards validation of student identity. Brazilian English Language Journal, 6(1), 29–39. https://doi.org/10.15448/2178-3640.2015.1.20188
Galloway, N. (2017). Global Englishes and change in English language teaching: Attitudes and impact. Routledge. http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315158983
GarcÃa Botero, G., Questier, F., & Zhu, C. (2019). Self-directed language learning in a mobile-assisted, out-of-class context: do students walk the talk? Computer Assisted Language Learning, 32(1–2), 71–97. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2018.1485707
Hino, N. (2018). EIL education for the expanding circle: A Japanese model. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315209449
Honey, P. (2010). Critical thinking questionnaire. http://www.peterhoney.com
Howard, L. W., Tang, T. L. P., & Jill Austin, M. (2015). Teaching critical thinking skills: Ability, motivation, intervention, and the Pygmalion effect. Journal of Business Ethics, 128(1), 133–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2084-0
Hsu, T. (2018). Using a concept mapping strategy to improve the motivation of EFL students in Google Hangouts Peer-Tutoring Sessions with native speakers. Interactive Learning Environments, 27(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2018.1463268
Hu, W., Jia, X., Plucker, J. A., & Shan, X. (2016). Effects of a critical thinking skills program on the learning motivation of primary school students. Roeper Review, 38(2), 70–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/02783193.2016.1150374
Hwang, G., & Chen, C. (2016). Influences of an inquiry-based ubiquitous gaming design on students’ learning achievements, motivation, behavioral patterns, and tendency towards critical thinking and problem solving. British Journal of Educational Technology, 48(4), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12464
Indah, R. N. (2016). Integrasi berpikir kritis dan pembelajaran bahasa asing, 1–16. http://repository.uin-malang.ac.id/680/
Ishikawa, T. (2016). World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca: Conceptualizing the legitimacy of Asian people’s English. Asian Englishes, 18(2), 129–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/13488678.2016.1171672
Jacobs, G. M., & Renandya, W. A. (2016). Student-centred learning in ELT. In W. A. Renandya & H. P. Widodo (Eds.), English language teaching today: Linking theory and practice (p. 306). Springer. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-38834-2_2
Joe, H., Hiver, P., & Al-hoorie, A. H. (2017). Classroom social climate, self-determined motivation, willingness to communicate, and achievement: A study of structural relationships in instructed second language settings. Learning and Individual Differences, 53, 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2016.11.005
Joo, S. J., Chik, A., & Djonov, E. (2019). The construal of English as a global language in Korean EFL textbooks for primary school children. Asian Englishes, 22(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13488678.2019.1627636
Kirkpatrick, A. (2018). The development of English as a lingua franca in ASEAN. In J. Jenkins, W. Baker, & M. Dewey (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of English as a Lingua Franca (pp. 138–150). Routledge.
Kruk, M., & Zawodniak, J. (2018). On the possible interactions of varied EFL activities and learning styles with EFL students’ motivational changes. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 13(2), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2017.1420654
Lee, J. S., & Chen Hsieh, J. (2018). University students’ perceptions of English as an International Language (EIL) in Taiwan and South Korea. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 39(5), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2018.1438448
Liu, J., & Fang, F. (Gabriel). (2017). Perceptions, awareness and perceived effects of home culture on intercultural communication: Perspectives of university students in China. System, 67, 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2017.04.003
Liu, K. L. (2019). Student perspectives on language and culture Teaching in EFL: Implications for intercultural approach. Journal of Studies in Education, 9(2), 1–20. http://doi.org/10.5296/jse.v9i2.14653
Lou, N. M., & Noels, K. A. (2018). Western and heritage cultural internalizations predict EFL students’ language motivation and confidence. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2018.1508277
Lu, C. (2019). A framework for infusing critical thinking into Chinese college EFL learners’ argumentative writing process. English Linguistics Research, 8(2), 16–20. https://doi.org/10.5430/elr.v8n2p16
Lu, Y., & Hsu, C.-F. (Sandy). (2008). Willingness to Communicate in Intercultural Interactions between Chinese and Americans. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 37(2), 75–88. https://doi.org/10.1080/17475750802533356
Mauranen, A. (2018). Conceptualizing ELF. In J. Jenkins, W. Baker, & D. Martin (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of English as a Lingua Franca (pp. 7–24). Routledge.
McCown, R. R., Driscoll, M. P., & Roop, P. G. (1996). Educational Psychology: A Learning-Centered Approach to Classroom Practice (2nd ed.). Pearson.
Mohseni, F., Seifoori, Z., & Ahangari, S. (2020). The impact of metacognitive strategy training and critical thinking awareness-raising on reading comprehension. Cogent Education, 7(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2020.1720946
Moradkhani, S., Asakereh, A., & Khajavi, Y. (2018). EFL teachers’ attitudes toward accent and culture in light of EIL: The case of Iranian public schools and private institutes. Cogent Education, 5(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2018.1489336
Naeini, J. (2005). The effect of collaborative learning on critical thinking of Iranian EFL learners. Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran branch, Tehran, Iran.
Namaziandost, E., Esfahani, F. R., & Ahmadi, S. (2019). Varying levels of difficulty in L2 reading materials in the EFL classroom: Impact on comprehension and motivation. Cogent Education, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1615740
Nameni, A., & Dowlatabadi, H. (2018). A study of the level of intercultural communicative competence and intercultural sensitivity of Iranian medical students based on ethnicity. Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, 48(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17475759.2018.1549586
Putri, N. R., Miarsyah, M., & Vivanti, D. (2018). Hubungan kecerdasan naturalis dan motivasi belajar dengan kemampuan berpikir kritis peserta didik pada materi pencemaran lingkungan. Florea : Jurnal Biologi Dan Pembelajarannya, 5(2), 100–109. https://doi.org/10.25273/florea.v5i2.3124
Rahim, H. A., & Daghigh, A. J. (2019). Locally developed versus global textbooks: An evaluation of cultural content in textbooks used in English language teaching in Malaysia. Asian Englishes, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13488678.2019.1669301
Rashid, R. A., & Hashim, R. A. (2008). The relationship between critical thinking and language proficiency of Malaysian and undergraduates. Proceeding of the EDU-COM 2008 International Conference, Symposia and Campus Events, pp. 19–21.
Rifa’i, A., & Anni, C. T. (2012). Psikologi pendidikan. UPT UNNES Press.
Riyanto, O. R., Waluya, S. B., & Mariani, S. (2019). Mathematics critical thinking reviewed from self-efficacy and motivation of learning in Arias Learning. Journal of Primary Education, 8(5). http://doi.org/10.15294/jpe.v9i2.32690
Sardiman, A. M. (2016). Interaksi dan motivasi belajar mengajar. PT RajaGrafindo.
Sherman, T. (2018). ELF and the EU/wider Europe. In J. Jenkins, W. Baker, & M. Dewey (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of English as a Lingua Franca (pp. 115–125). Routledge.
Sjøberg, S. (2010). Constructivism and learning. In P. Peterson, B. Eva, & B. McGaw (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of Education (pp. 485–490). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-044894-7.00467-X
Sucipta, Ahman, E., & Budiwati, N. (2018). Metode guided discovery learning terhadap tingkat berpikir kritis siswa dilihat dari motivasi belajar. Indonesian Journal of Economics Education, 1(1), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.17509/jurnal
Sulistianingsih, P. (2016). Pengaruh kecerdasan emosional dan motivasi belajar terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis matematika. JKPM (Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Matematika), 2(1), 129. https://doi.org/10.30998/jkpm.v2i1.1899
Tajeddin, Z., Atai, M. R., & Pashmforoosh, R. (2019). Beliefs about English as an International Language (EIL): Voices from Persian-speaking English teachers. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 15(3) 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/1554480X.2019.1684923
Tanaka, Y., & Kutsuki, A. (2016). Motivation for learning English in the immersion environment of an international school in Japan. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 21(1) 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2016.1210566
Tee, K. N., Leong, K. E., & Rahim, S. S. A. (2018). The mediating effects of critical thinking skills on motivation factors for mathematical reasoning ability. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 27(5), 373-382. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-018-0396-z
Thomson, V., & Yedidi, M. R. (2020). A practical approach to critical thinking among EFL learners. International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 17(1), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTTC.2020.106560
Thuy, T., Nguyen, M., Marlina, R., Hong, T., & Cao, P. (2020). How well do ELT textbooks prepare students to use English in global contexts? An evaluation of the Vietnamese English textbooks from an English as an international language (EIL) perspective. Asian Englishes, 23(4) 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13488678.2020.1717794
Tran, T. Q., & Duong, T. M. (2018). The effectiveness of the intercultural language communicative teaching model for EFL learners. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 3(6), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-018-0048-0
Utami, S., Nashori, F., & Rachmawati, M. A. (2014). Pengaruh pelatihan adversity quotient untuk meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa sekolah menengah pertama. Jurnal Intervensi Psikologi, 6(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.20885/intervensipsikologi.vol6.iss1.art9
Wale, B. D., & Bishaw, K. S. (2020). Effects of using inquiry-based learning on EFL students’ critical thinking skills. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 5(9), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-020-00090-2
Wicaksana, Y. D., Widoretno, S., & Dwiastuti, S. (2020). The use of critical thinking aspects on module to enhance students’ academic achievement. International Journal of Instruction, 13(2), 303–314. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13221a
Xuejun, Y. E. (2020). EFL Learning motivation differences of Chinese junior secondary school students: A mixed-methods study. Education, 49(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2019.1711143
Yang, L., & Rashid. (2020). The relationship between critical thinking and the community of inquiry model: A quantitative study among EFL university students in China. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1), 965–973. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2020.1814359
Zhang, D., & Pérez-Paredes, P. (2019). Chinese postgraduate EFL learners’ self-directed use of mobile English learning resources. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 34(8), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2019.1662455
Zhang, J., & Zhang, L. J. (2020). Learners’ satisfaction with native and non-native English-speaking teachers’ teaching competence and their learning motivation: a path-analytic approach. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 41(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2020.1833834
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Authors who publish with INSPIRA: Indonesian Journal of Psychological Research agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial CC BY-NC 4.0, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the authors' work non-commercially, and although the others' new works must also acknowledge the authors and be non-commercial, they do not have to license their derivative works on the same terms.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access). In other words, authors can archive pre-print (submitted version), post-print (accepted version), and publisher's version/PDF.


