The Role of Learners' Psychological Well-Being and Academic Engagement on Their Grit

The predictive effects of learner autonomy and academic engagement on willingness to communicate, foreign language learning self-esteem, and L2 grit in an EFL context

Psychological factors, such as the fear of misunderstandings, making grammatical mistakes, and academic demotivation contribute to students' anxiety when speaking English in language classes. Some students may struggle to contribute actively to tasks and activities in English because they do not perceive themselves to be autonomous agents, feel engaged with the specific task, or are more generally academically demotivated. It is a critical goal of all English language teachers to assist these students in developing academic self-confidence and autonomy and in honing their spoken English. Drawing upon a quantitative method, the current study delved into a university setting to investigate the impact of autonomy and academic engagement on willingness to communicate, foreign language learning self-esteem, and L2 grit in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Three hundred eighty-seven EFL students completed a survey. The results of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), along with the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) as part of the measurement model validation, demonstrated that enhancing the EFL students' autonomy and academic engagement could significantly foster their willingness to communicate in English, as well as their self-esteem, and L2 grit. Overall, the results highlighted how the two pillars of self-determination theory, autonomy and academic engagement, contribute to positive psychology outcomes in the EFL domain. Relevant pedagogical consequences of this investigation are discussed based on the findings of the study.

Academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support as predictors of psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students

Introduction

This study explores the determinants of psychological well-being among 968 Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students by employing structural equation modeling (SEM). Focusing on academic self-efficacy, grit, and teacher support, this research aims to illuminate their roles in shaping the psychological well-being of EFL students within the Chinese educational context.

Methods

Data from a robust sample of Chinese EFL students were analyzed using SEM techniques to investigate the relationships between academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and psychological well-being. Validated instruments were utilized to measure these constructs, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The study employed meticulous data collection procedures over a three-month period, maintaining strict ethical standards and anonymity for participants.

Results

The SEM analysis revealed intricate connections among academic self-efficacy, grit, teacher support, and the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Academic self-efficacy and grit emerged as direct predictors of psychological well-being, highlighting their significance in fostering students' overall well-being. Additionally, teacher support was identified to play a mediating role in this relationship, emphasizing its critical influence on enhancing academic self-efficacy and grit, thereby contributing to students' psychological well-being.

Discussion

These findings underscore the crucial importance of nurturing academic self-efficacy and grit to enhance the psychological well-being of Chinese EFL students. Furthermore, teacher support stands out as a pivotal factor in elevating students' academic self-efficacy and grit, emphasizing the need for educational interventions centered on fostering these attributes among Chinese EFL learners. The implications of these results extend to educational practices, emphasizing the indispensable role of teacher support and interventions aimed at cultivating academic self-efficacy and grit to promote the psychological well-being of EFL students within the learning environment.