Self-identified Research Articles

Linguistic and non-linguistic factors impacting EMI academic success: a longitudinal study

AbstractThis study explored changes in English language proficiency and several non-linguistic factors during four years of English medium instruction (EMI) in two academic disciplines in a Turkish university setting. Moreover, it also investigated whether changes (if any) had a predictive impact on the academic success of EMI students. In addition, potential differences between disciplines were also investigated. The participants were 241 EMI students from Business Administration (n = 117) and Mechanical Engineering (n = 124) programmes. Our findings revealed that in addition to the language proficiency scores, various non-linguistic factors, including self-efficacy, ideal L2 self, motivation, self-regulation skills, and anxiety levels, changed throughout EMI education. However, only English proficiency and instrumental motivation emerged as positively significant predictors of EMI success.Our findings also revealed that the increase in participants' intrinsic motivation scores was a significant negative predictor of EMI success. These results are discussed and implications are given regarding the impact of linguistic and non-linguistic factors in EMI contexts.

Identification of self- and pathogen-targeted miRNAs from resistant and susceptible Theobroma cacao variety to black pod disease

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a highly valuable crop with growing demand in the global market. However, cacao farmers often face challenges posed by black pod disease caused by Phytophthora spp., with P. palmivora being the most dominant. Regulations of various gene expressions influence plant resistance to pathogens. One mechanism involves targeting the mRNA of virulence genes in the invading pathogens, suppressing their infection. However, resistance also could be suppressed by plant-derived miRNAs that target their own defence genes. The objective of this study is to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in black pod-resistant and susceptible cacao varieties and to predict their targets in T. cacao and P. palmivora transcripts. Extracted miRNA from resistant and susceptible varieties of T. Cacao was sequenced, identified, and matched to host and pathogen mRNA. In total, 54 known miRNAs from 40 miRNA families and 67 novel miRNAs were identified. Seventeen miRNAs were differentially expressed in susceptible variety compared to resistant one, with 9 miRNAs upregulated and 8 miRNAs downregulated. In T. cacao transcripts, the upregulated miRNAs were predicted to target several genes, including defence genes. The suppression of these defense genes can lead to a reduction in plant resistance against pathogen infection. In P. palmivora transcripts, the upregulated miRNAs were predicted to target several genes, including P. palmivora effector genes. In the future, limiting expression of miRNAs that target T. cacao’s defence genes and applying miRNAs that target P. palmivora effector genes hold promise for enhancing cacao plant resistance against P. palmivora infection.

The impact of future L2 selves and positive emotions on self-regulated writing strategies: A mixed method approach

While extensive research supported the facilitative role of motivation in general self-regulated learning (SRL) strategy use, its connection to writing-specific SRL strategy use remains underexplored. Furthermore, the exploration of the interplay between motivation and SRL strategy use in second or foreign (L2) writing was absent within the motivational-self system. Even less is known about the mechanism between motivational factors and SRL strategy use in L2 writing. This study aims to fill the gap by testing the mediating role of positive emotions (enjoyment, pride, and hope) between future L2 writing selves (ideal L2 self and ought-to L2 self) and SRL strategy use in the Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) writing context with a mixed method design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Three hundred and sixty students enrolled in College English writing classes were recruited and they reported their responses to standardized measures. Results of structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that positive emotions partially mediated the link between ideal L2 writing selves and SRL but not between ought-to L2 writing selves and SRL. Semi-structured interviews about students’ in-depth perceptions of the three constructs complemented our quantitative results. Theoretical and pedagogical implications are also discussed.

Self-Concept and its Components for Developing Research in Positive Psychology: An Integrative Model

The study aimed to reduce researchers’ suffering from the abundance and diversity of psychological and educational research that deals with self-concept and its components. The challenge with starting from different theoretical frameworks is that this reflects negatively on the results and variables associated with each component. There are also many self-components, combined with the synonymy of some names, that confuse researchers and place research in the cycle of stereotyping and repetition. Therefore, presenting a graphical form that includes a description of the self-concept components and clarifies the relationships between them and their role in the structure of the human self contributes to solving this problem. In the theoretical framework, the theoretical concepts of the components were reviewed, and the method for developing integrated models that aim to transfer self-concept research in psychology from the level of description to the level of analysis was explained by taking advantage of the huge number of empirical studies on the self. A questionnaire consisting of four dimensions, including 40 items, was applied to a sample of 12 psychology experts. The results indicated that the self-concept serves as a basis for an integrated model of the self-components. The spatial analogy method was used in developing the model inputs, processes, and outputs. The sub-components that are closest in relationship to the self-concept are self-image, self-esteem, and the ideal self in the operations stage. The next closest variables are self-regulation, self-affirmation, self-actualization, and self-compassion. The model explains each in detail, and a set of recommendations and proposals were produced. KEYWORDS single entry static models, self regulation, self efficacy, educational psychology, psychology experts, self esteem

Identification of knowledge anxiety factors among researchers based on grounded theory

Based on a grounded theoretical analysis of interviews and open data, this study develops a model delineating the factors influencing Knowledge Anxiety, encompassing 5 primary categories and 20 subcategories. These categories encompass Academic Characteristics (knowledge quantity, knowledge quality, and knowledge content), Outer Environment (paid marketing, negative feedback, intense competition, and evaluation mechanism), and Cognitive Environment (work stress, scientific research funding, interpersonal relationships, Time limitation, and Cause difficult) which have been identified as external drivers influencing researchers' Knowledge Anxiety. Conversely, Ability Characteristics (scientific literacy, personality traits, English proficiency, and self-expectations) and Emotional Cognition (inertia thinking, negative self-concept, perceived risks, self-efficacy, and knowledge demand) have been recognized as internal drivers impacting researchers' Knowledge Anxiety. Findings reveal that external factors such as Academic Characteristics, Outer Environment, and Cognitive Environment directly impact researchers' susceptibility to Knowledge Anxiety. Internal factors, represented by Individual Competencies and Emotional Perception, also wield significant influence. Furthermore, external forces can affect Knowledge Anxiety either directly or indirectly by interfacing with internal determinants. This study underscores that researchers' Knowledge Anxiety emerges from intricate interactions among diverse factors, rather than stemming from a solitary cause. These insights furnish valuable comprehension and prospective strategies for mitigating Knowledge Anxiety among researchers, ultimately contributing to the advancement of research in this domain.

Realization of Language Teacher’s Ideal Identity as Peacebuilder

Language teaching has the potential not only to teach language skills but also to create a peaceful learning environment where students feel relaxed, safe and valued. To achieve this goal, teachers need to develop an ideal identity that reflects their commitment to promoting peace in their classrooms. In the interest of developing peacebuilder language teachers, this study investigated the ideal identity of English language teachers as peacebuilders, the strategies they employ to achieve their peacebuilder identities, and the manifestation of peace language: hope, help, and harmony (Oxford & Curtis, 2020). The narratives of three Iranian language teachers were thematically analyzed to understand their hopeful, helpful, and harmonious experiences. Our findings indicate that teachers’ ideal peacebuilder selves are becoming ‘an encouraging teacher’, ‘a more hopeful and caring teacher’, and ‘a patient teacher’. To achieve their peacebuilder identity, they proposed strategies such as encouraging students to communicate internationally, caring about students’ success, pursuing academic studies, and improving emotion-regulation skills. The findings of this study contribute to incorporating peace in language education and developing peacebuilder language.

Ideal L2 Pre-service Teacher Selves: The Case of University Pre-service Teachers in Costa Rica

The ‘L2 Motivational Self System’ (L2MSS) (Dörnyei & Ryan, 2015) sheds light on theoretical tenets for research in language learner motivation. The L2MSS has been adapted into the ‘Possible Language Teacher Self’ (PLTS) (Kubanyiova, 2009) to explore language teacher motivation. Nonetheless, there is scarce research on a self-system for L2 pre-service teachers. Therefore, in this qualitative study, the characteristics of the Ideal L2 Pre-Service Teacher Self were explored to identify a possible motivational self-system. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was implemented. Participants (N=2) were pre-service L2 teachers from a university in Costa Rica. Findings revealed that participants mentioned four common traits of an ideal L2 pre-service teacher self: (1) passion, (2) knowledge, (3) adaptability, and (4) language proficiency. Contrary to Kubanyiova’s (2009) PLTS and Dörnyei’s (2009b) and Dörnyei & Ryan’s (2015) L2MSS, both participants share an ‘L2 Pre-service Teacher Self System’ including four elements: (1) Ideal L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, (2) ought-to L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, (3) current L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, and (4) Feared L2 Teacher Self. It is discussed and concluded that a PLTS system might include the elements just mentioned. However, further exploration on an L2 Pre-Service Teacher Self is mandatory to better understand the motivation and self-identity of L2 pre-service teachers.

Growth mindset and ideal L2 self as predictors of student engagement in EFL students: The mediating role of L2 grit

This research delves into the dynamics of growth mindset, ideal L2 self, grit, and student engagement using well-established data collection instruments in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. A sample comprising 379 participants drawn from diverse language institutes in Iran, provided empirical data for this study. Employing structural equation modeling and validated scales for each construct, the study unveils a partially mediated model, illuminating the intricate relationships among the variables under investigation. The findings reveal that both ideal L2 self and growth mindset exert a significant influence on student engagement, with grit serving as a crucial partial mediator in these associations. Moreover, growth mindset demonstrates a notable indirect effect on student engagement, primarily mediated by grit. The study not only advances our understanding of motivational drivers in EFL learning but also yields practical insights for educators and curriculum designers seeking to bolster student engagement and perseverance in language learning environments.

Thai Undergraduates’ Motivation in Learning Different Foreign Languages: A Dörnyei’s L2MSS Perspective

Dörnyei’s (2005) research radiates positivity, emphasizing the crucial role of motivation in language learning beyond traditional methods. The study investigated 261 undergraduate students in Thailand studying languages other than English (LOTEs), utilizing Dörnyei’s L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS) theory. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, the study explored participants’ motivational profiles through questionnaires and voluntary interviews. The findings reveal high motivation levels among LOTE students, with ideal L2 self, L2 learning experience, instrumentality–promotion, international posture, and cultural/community interest as significant predictors. Notably, L2 learning experience emerged as the most influential predictor across all LOTE groups, offering a promising avenue for educational advancements. It advocates a dynamic teaching approach, fostering positive environments, emphasizing practical benefits, integrating cultural elements, and addressing online classroom challenges. Optimistic recommendations include ongoing teacher development, collaboration among educators, and parental involvement for a vibrant and motivating educational experience. The study’s upbeat tone suggests potential expansion through increased sample sizes and incorporating a diverse array of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs).

Correction: Contributions of Ideal L2 Self, Grit, and Boredom to Engagement in an EFL Context: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Correction: Contributions of Ideal L2 Self, Grit, and Boredom to Engagement in an EFL Context: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Social media “stars” vs “the ordinary” me: influencer marketing and the role of self-discrepancies, perceived homophily, authenticity, self-acceptance and mindfulness

PurposeSocial media influencers have become constant companions of a large audience of young consumers, but a crucial yet underexplored area of examination relates to the implications of exposure to influencers for an individual’s self-concept. This study aims to examine if and how individuals experience self-discrepancies when exposed to influencers and the impact of such discrepancies on their affect, cognition and behaviors toward the influencers and the brands they endorse.Design/methodology/approachThe authors thematically analyze 17 semistructured interviews, develop a conceptual model and present a set of hypotheses. The hypotheses are tested by analyzing survey data from 503 respondents using structural equation modeling.FindingsIndividuals actively engage in comparisons with influencers’ virtual self-presentation and treat them as emblematic of an ideal self. The associated self-discrepancy can lead to both negative and positive affect, but while the latter has a positive impact on e-word of mouth (WOM) and purchase intent, the former has a negative impact. Perceived homophily dampens the impact of exposure to influencer content on discrepancy and strengthens the link between discrepancy and positive affect. Self-acceptance and mindfulness positively moderate the impact of discrepancy on positive affect and negatively on negative affect. Perceived authenticity strengthens the impact of positive affect on e-WOM and dampens the impact of negative affect on purchase intention.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors contribute to the literature on self-discrepancies by identifying a consumer context where, in addition to the theoretically predicted negative affect, an individual may experience more positive emotions like feeling motivated or inspired because of the perceived attainability of an influencer as an ideal self. The authors contribute to the influencer marketing literature by examining the influencer–follower relationship and its implications for an individual’s self-concept, including the role played by perceived homophily and authenticity. The authors also contribute to the literature on consumer well-being and identify the role of self-acceptance and mindfulness in shaping consumer experiences.Practical implicationsThe authors provide a nuanced analysis of the impact of influencer marketing on consumer behavior with a focus on its impact on an individual’s self-concept. The authors argue for the role of perceived homophily and authenticity in shaping favorable consumer behavior outcomes and offer evidence for more inclusive approaches to marketing.Originality/valueThe authors identify the influencer–follower relationship as a unique social exchange where the source of self-discrepancy is also a homophilic solution provider for achieving one’s ideal self and report both positive and negative effects as outcomes of experiencing a self-discrepancy induced by a target perceived as more attainable. The authors situate understandings of perceived homophily and authenticity along these relationships and identify self-acceptance and mindfulness as mechanisms used by individuals to deal with discrepancies.

New wine in new bottles? L2 Grit in comparison to domain-general Grit, Conscientiousness, and Cognitive Ability as a predictor of language learning

ABSTRACT Domain-general Grit has been criticised as being indistinguishable from Conscientiousness and as a weaker predictor than Cognitive Ability. Given the recent rise of L2 Grit literature – a domain-specific form of Grit in language learning – we examine whether these criticisms of general Grit are also applicable to L2 Grit. Domain-general Grit, L2 Grit, Cognitive Ability, and Conscientiousness were compared as predictors of language learning outcomes. Data from 182 EFL students were analysed via multiple regression with dominance analyses. L2 Grit was the dominant predictor of L2 academic achievement, L2 engagement, and Ideal L2 Self. L2 Grit outperformed domain-general Grit in all models tested. Methodological concerns regarding domain-general Grit and Conscientiousness did not apply to L2 Grit. Cognitive Ability was an important predictor of L2 learning, but was mostly outperformed by L2 Grit. This study advocates for the use of L2 Grit above that of domain-general Grit in L2 learning research.

Students’ motivation to learn English: the importance of external influence on the ideal L2 self

IntroductionThe ideal second/foreign language (L2) self, a concept in second-language acquisition theory, is a learner’s future vision about their language ability. Research on the ideal L2 self is important for finding ways to improve motivation for learning a new language, foreign language teaching strategies, and personalization of instruction for individuals with different backgrounds and aspirations. The present study aimed to better understand the factors that might influence the ideal L2 self among Japanese elementary school students. While there have been numerous studies about the ideal L2 self in English language learning, few have focused on elementary school students’ motivation to learn English.MethodsData were collected from 225 4th- and 6th-grade elementary school students in Japan. The data were analyzed by performing t-tests and a hierarchical linear regression to understand the relationships between the pertinent variables and the ideal L2 self.ResultsThe analysis results revealed three characteristics of the relationship between elementary school students’ English language skills and their ideal L2 selves. First, the results of the t-test suggested that international travel and English cram school experiences were differentiating factors for the ideal L2 self, suggesting that the groups of participants with and without those factors (experiences) had significantly different ideal L2 selves. Second, the experience of living abroad was not a significant differentiating factor for the ideal L2 self. Third, the results of the regression analysis suggested that school, home, and foreign media influences are significant contributors to the formation of the ideal L2 self. These factors may therefore subsume international travel and English cram school experiences.DiscussionBy understanding the factors that contribute to the ideal L2 self, educators and policymakers can strive to establish a more effective environment to improve students’ motivation to learn English.

“The black is going”: a phenomenological study on young rural women's experience of colourism

PurposeThe present study explored the young women's lived experiences of discrimination and othering based on skin tone in two rural localities of Uttarakhand , State of India. The authors used intersectionality as the theoretical lens for this study.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have adopted an interpretive phenomenological study in the conduct of this research. The authors interviewed twelve female participants in person using a semi-structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using the six-stage data analysis process of interpretive phenomenological analysis.FindingsThe study's findings underline the experiences of stigma, negative self-concept, marriage is a complex reality, media's influence and skin whitening is the first and last resort. Dark-skinned women experience stressful life events due to their skin tone and society's prejudice favouring white and fair skin tones. The experiences of bullying, social shame, guilt and low esteem were also vivid.Originality/valueThis study reveals women's exposure to negative experiences of skin-tone-based discrimination prevalent in Indian society. This is one of the first kinds of such study in India that captures the dark-hued women's recurrent phenomenon of discrimination in their daily lives. It further shows that skin-tone bias and discrimination are widely prevalent and practised despite the claims that Indian society is free from skin-tone biasedness and subsequent discrimination.

Decoding the mask: Identity in undergraduate medical education

Abstract Introduction: Developing a healthy sense of professional identity among medical students is an integral aspect of medical education. Despite its importance, addressing professional identity formation (PIF) in medical school has typically been limited to narrative methods. Mask-making represents a complementary visual modality to examine PIF in undergraduate medical education. Methods: 140 students from the Penn State University College of Medicine Class of 2022 participated in a mask-making activity as they transitioned to clinical clerkships. Students expressed their ideal professional self on the outside of the masks and their current sense of self on the inside of the masks. Masks were coded into 31 PIF categories, and data were analyzed using chi-square to identify significant (P < 0.05) differences between self and ideal profiles. Results: Overall, the subdomains Communication skills, Observational Skills, and Relationships had the greatest incongruence between what students perceived as “ideal” and how they saw themselves. Discussion: Mask-making is a modality for self-exploration in the context of identity formation in medical education. Students were able to identify potential areas of growth in their developing professional identities. Our findings suggest arts integration can support holistic student growth and development.

A Review of Studies on L2 Motivational Self System

The Second Language Motivational Self-System (L2 MSS) is the motivation model elaborated in this article. The aim of this article is to review the model, present a summary of research, that empirically analyses the model and its key features, and suggest future research options. In the article, the issue with the model will be addressed one by one. Then, theoretical descriptions of the model will be presented, followed by its empirical investigations and criticism. Theoretical elaboration of the model is based on Gardners model of motivation, Markus and Nurius possible selves and Higgins self-discrepancy theory. Numerous empirical studies examining the model in various contexts around the world found that the ideal L2 self, which associates integrativeness motives and the internalised instrumental, is the strongest component of the model, and the ought-to L2 self, which is relatively less internalised or motivating. The model has been modified to take learning experiences into account. However, unbalanced attention is given to the L2MSSs constituent parts.

Heritage identity and Indigenous language learning motivation: A case of Indigenous Taiwanese high school students

AbstractThis study responds to calls to reexamine the L2 motivational self system framework in order to understand motivations to learn languages other than English. Specifically, we explore Indigenous Taiwanese students’ heritage language learning motivation from a possible selves perspective. Following work on the rooted L2 self, the construct of the Indigenous heritage self is incorporated to capture the passion and conviction that motivates learners to maintain language use and revitalize cultural legacies. A nationwide questionnaire survey was administered to 293 indigenous Taiwanese high school students (aged 15–18). Exploratory factor analysis points to the need to include the Indigenous heritage self in an account of the motivation to learn endangered Indigenous languages. The composite elements of the Indigenous heritage self consist of goals focused on preserving the Indigenous language and cultures, as well as an emotional attachment to the heritage culture. Furthermore, multiple regression results show that learners’ Indigenous heritage self and ideal future self are significant contributors to motivational intensity and classroom engagement. Findings indicate that community‐based motivation is equally important as individual learners’ idealized future images in motivating Indigenous language learning. The article concludes by suggesting curriculum initiatives that incorporate motivational strategy instruction aimed at developing an ideal self for speaking the Indigenous language, bridging classroom content and the cultural immersive experiences that students have outside formal environments.

Семантическая структура образа Я старшеклассников – пользователей социальных сетей

The article presents the results of the study of the semantic assessment by senior pupils, who are active users of social networks, of their real, virtual, and ideal self. The author verified the hypothesis, which suggests actualizing the characteristics of an ideal image in social networks. The sampling included 180 people who rated stimulus images according to 43 scales of a specialized semantic differential. The study has revealed that categorical criteria of self-image assessment are arousal, sociability, successfulness, joyfulness, gracefulness (beauty), anxiety, and honesty. It has been found, that the senior pupils’ view of both their real and virtual self is far from the semantics of the ideal image on most of the criteria. The network image is delegated with vulnerable characteristics of the real self, but low level of anxiety brings pupils’ virtual and ideal self closer.

Identification of Self and Mutual Inductances of Electrically Excited Synchronous Machines Using Signals in Current Controller without Extra Observer

Identification of Self and Mutual Inductances of Electrically Excited Synchronous Machines Using Signals in Current Controller without Extra Observer

The relationship among EFL learners’ motivational self-system, willingness to communicate, and self-assessed proficiency at an Ethiopian preparatory high school

This study investigated relationships between English as a foreign language (EFL) students' L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS), L2 willingness to communicate (L2WTC) inside and outside the classroom, and their self-assessed English proficiency at an Ethiopian preparatory high school. Data was collected using validated instruments from 609 12th-grade preparatory school students in Ethiopia. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), a hypothesised model was generated and tested. The components of the L2MSS were considered as independent variables, while L2WTC within and outside of the classroom and self-assessed English proficiency were treated as dependent variables. Self-assessed English proficiency was also used as an independent variable to test if it predicted scores on the two L2WTC subscales. The results revealed that, although the mean on the ought to L2 self scale was above average, the means of ideal L2 self and L2 learning experiences were below average. Students reported low levels of L2WTC and self-perceived proficiency in English. The components of the L2MSS in the model demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with each other, as well as with L2WTC in and outside the classroom and self-assessed English proficiency. To be more specific, the L2MSS parts had a statistically significant positive effect on the dependent variables. The only one that was not significant was the path from ideal L2 self to L2WTC outside of school. Self-assessed English proficiency showed statistically significant positive predictive effects on L2WTC within and outside the classroom. The results and implications are critically discussed to inform English educators, students, parents, curriculum designers, and researchers about these interrelationships.