The Correlation among Learning Styles, Learning Motivation, and Writing Performance of Undergraduate EFL Learners
Keywords:
learning style, learning motivation, writing performance, undergraduate EFL learnerAbstract
In an increasingly globalized world, proficiency in English is no longer a luxury but a necessity, with millions of learners worldwide striving to master the language for personal, academic, and professional purposes. However, despite its importance, many learners continue to struggle with writing performance, influenced by factors such as learning styles, motivation, and gender. This study investigates whether there is a correlation between undergraduate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' writing performance and their learning styles and motivation. Using a correlational research design and quantitative methods, the study examined 158 fifth-semester undergraduate students at UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung. Data on learning styles and motivation were gathered through a Google Forms questionnaire, while students' writing performance was assessed through written tasks stored on Google Drive. Statistical analysis, employing F-test and Multinomial Logistic Regression in SPSS, revealed a significant correlation (p = 0.034) between writing performance and both learning style and motivation. These findings suggest that tailored instructional strategies, which account for individual learning preferences and motivational factors, could enhance writing outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended that English educators incorporate regular writing tasks into their curricula to foster improved writing performance among learners.References
Brown, H. Douglas. Language Assessment: Principles and Classroom Practices. 2nd ed. New York: Pearson Education, 2007.
Catingub, D. S. “Learning Styles, Motivation to Learn and Academic Performance of Grade Five Pupils”. IJSMS 3, no. 3 (2020): 49-61.
Cohen, A. D. Learning Styles and Writing Strategies in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017.
Cohen, A. D., Oxford, R. “Learning Style Survey: Assessing Your Own Learning Styles”. Research Gate (2001): 1-8
Felder, R. M., and L. K. Henriques. "Learning and Teaching Styles in Foreign and Second Language Education." Foreign Language Annals 28, no. 1 (1995): 21-31.
Gardner, Robert. C. The Attitude/Motivation Test Battery: Technical Report. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1985.
Graham, S., and J. Sandmel. "The Role of Motivation in Language Learning: The Case of ESL Learners." Journal of Educational Psychology 103, no. 3 (2011): 711-726.
Kamiluddin, U. “Motivation and Learning Style: Do They Correlate with Language Proficiency?”. ELT-Echo 4, no. 1 (2019): 1-13
Khairy, H. A. "The Influence of Learning Styles on Language Acquisition in Higher Education." Journal of Educational Psychology 45, no. 2 (2018): 217-229.
Kormos, J., and A. Smith. The Impact of Learning Styles on Writing Achievement. New York: Routledge, 2019.
Maming, K., Ali, W. R., & Radiah., A. I. “The Influence of Motivation and Learning Style on Learning Pattern toward Students’ Speaking Improvement”. ELS, 6, no. 1 (2023). 32-37. https://doi.org/10.34050/elsjish.v6i1.
Morris, C. Writing and Communication: A Study of English Composition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Oxford, R. Language Learning Styles and Strategies: An Overview. New York: Gala, 2003.
Pritchard, A. Ways of Learning: Learning Theories and Learning Styles in the Classroom. London: Routledge, 2009.
Rusmiana, Raty. (2022). “The Correlations among English Learning Motivation, Learning Styles, and English Mastery of Senior High School Students Taking an English Course in Palembang”. Language and Education 7, no. 2 (2022): 59-74
Santrock, J. W. Psychology. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006.
Saswandi, T., Ariana, O., Deni., A. M., Wahyu, W., Rahmat, J. (2023). “The Correlation among Students’ Learning Styles and Students’ Motivation in Learning English with Their Vocabulary Mastery”. Journal on Education6, no. 1 (2023): 927-941.
Saville, M., and J. Troike. Introducing Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
Srichanyachon, N. "The Relationship of Learning Styles, Learning Motivation, and Academic Success in EFL Learning Context." Mediterranean Journal of Social Science 3, no. 3 (2012): 70-82.
Sulistyowati, H. "The Contribution of Learning Style, Learning Motivation, and Teacher’s Classroom Management toward Student’s English Writing Achievement”. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.
Sunaidah, Baginda, S., & Mulyadi, M. "The Correlation Between Learning Styles and Motivation in Second Language Learning." JPGI 6, no. 2 (2021): 598-603.
Syafrizal, Nurhaedah, G., John, P., Yudi, J., Ifrotul, F. N. "The Correlation of Students’ Learning Styles, Learning Motivation, and Speaking Ability." JELTS 3, no. 2 (2020): 73-81.
Yufrizal, H., Sudirman, & Hasan, B. "The Effect of Learning Styles and Motivation on Indonesian Students’ English Achievement." Indonesian EFL Journal, 1, no. 2 (2015): 231-241.
