How to Measure and Increase Second Language Writing Motivation

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Published: Jul 12, 2022
Keywords:
Motivation to write L2 writing motivation scale EFL writing motivation scale EFL writing

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Ali Eryılmaz
Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Yıldız Technical University, Turkiye
Yusuf Emre Yesilyurt
Deparment of Foreign Languages Education, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkiye

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a Second Language (L2) Writing Motivation Scale in an EFL context. Within this central aim, sub-studies in three phases were carried out: 1) to create an L2 Writing Motivation Scale, 2) to perform a confirmatory factor analysis and validate the scale, and 3) to test two path models regarding increasing students’ intrinsic motivation and decreasing their amotivation towards L2 writing. The participants included a total of 657 students from different departments of three large state universities. In the first of three study phases, an L2 Writing Motivation Scale was developed. Then, exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and a three-dimension L2 writing motivation scale emerged. Here, the test-retest reliability coefficient of the scale’s dimensions was found to be satisfactory. In the second phase, confirmatory factor analysis was performed, and the scale construction was validated. Finally, two path models regarding increasing students’ intrinsic motivation and decreasing their amotivation towards L2 writing were found to fit perfectly. The possible contribution of the use of the scale in L2 writing pedagogy is discussed.

Article Details

How to Cite
Eryılmaz, A., & Yesilyurt, Y. E. (2022). How to Measure and Increase Second Language Writing Motivation. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 15(2), 922–945. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LEARN/article/view/259956
Issue
Vol. 15 No. 2 (2022): LEARN Journal (July-December)
Section
Research Articles
Author Biographies

Ali Eryılmaz, Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Yıldız Technical University, Turkiye

A tenured professor at the Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance of Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkiye. He earned his PhD in Educational Psychology from Ankara University, Turkiye. He previously worked as a psychological counselor for 8 years at high schools in Ankara and as a faculty member in Eskişehir Osmangazi University. He has been studying positive psychology and adolescent subjective wellbeing since 2005.

Yusuf Emre Yesilyurt, Deparment of Foreign Languages Education, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Turkiye

An assistant professor at the English Language Teaching Department of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkiye. He earned his MA degree in TESOL from Bristol University, UK and PhD in Applied Linguistics from Gazi University, Turkiye. His main research interests include academic writing, teaching and researching writing, and conversation analysis in language teaching and learning.

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