EFL Learning Motivation: Lifelong Enjoyment

Abstract

This study is part of a five-year consecutive study designed to help college freshmen change their view of English learning as a tedious activity to one where they see it as a lifelong enriching experience. In the first two studies we focused on self-efficacy sources. In the third study we added focus on the development of future EFL selves with image training.  We then shifted our attention toward the establishment of concrete and fun English study reasons that are associated with students' hobbies and interests using YouTube videos as authentic learning support material outside the classroom. In these studies we were able to help our students improve their English listening skills during the spring semester, but those students were unable to maintain that proficiency level over the summer breaks or during the subsequent fall semester. Thus, in this present study, we added explicit instruction on how to access and make use of certain YouTube sites in order to improve English listening skills. Based on our findings, this most recent method helped our freshmen significantly improve their English skills, even during the spring semester and summer break, and for the most part improve their English listening skills during the fall semester as well.