Passion for learning: what we know about passion for learning English

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study modified the dualistic model of passion, adding composite passion and general passion. The study aimed to determine the levels of passion for learning English of English majors, affirm whether passion for learning English changes over the course of time, and investigate to what extent passion for learning English can predict English majors’ academic achievement. The Passion Scale was employed to assess passion for learning English of 638 English-major students. Forty students were randomly selected for focus group interviews. The findings indicate that the passion for learning English of all classes was at a “high” level. ANOVA results and focus group interviews supported that passion for learning English changed over the course of time. Importantly, the data mining results reveal that the first three best predictors were all cognitive attributes, whereas obsessive passion, composite passion, harmonious passion, and general passion were no. 4, 5, 6, and 8.