Exploring Thai Undergraduate Students’ Language Mindsets: A Survey Analysis
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Abstract
This study investigates the language mindsets of undergraduate students in Thailand. The research involved a sample of 400 undergraduates in the northern region of Thailand. Data collection utilized a survey based on Lou and Noel’s language mindset meaning system. The survey was developed by the researchers and comprised 30 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale and organized into 6 dimensions. Analysis employed descriptive statistics, focusing on means and standard deviations. The study revealed that among the 400 participants, the evolving growth language mindset was the most prevalent category, with 46.25% of individuals demonstrating a greater openness to adaptability in language learning. Significant differences in language mindset levels were found across years of study and university affiliations. In the dimensions of “belief in failure or mistakes” and “belief in strategies for learning English”, most participants exhibited an expanding growth mindset. Contrastingly, in the dimensions of “motivational belief” and “perception of ability and potential”, most participants aligned with the restricted fixed mindset category. These results underscore the multidimensional nature of language mindsets and the importance of tailoring interventions to address specific dimensions, years of study, and university contexts. By fostering a growth mindset across all dimensions through targeted interventions and supportive classroom environments, educators can enhance Thai undergraduate students’ language learning experiences and equip them to thrive in their language acquisition journey.
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