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Students’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Second Language Learning: Experiences in a Short-term Study Abroad

Añorga, Angel Gamaliel
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6384-7044
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1459438207

Abstract Details

2016, EdD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Literacy and Second Language Studies.
Short-term language study abroad programs have continued to capture the attention of college students in recent years. In an effort to measure the impact, language gain from a short-term study abroad program is measured using pre- and post-grammar-based assessments alone. Such practice takes away the essence and richness short sojourns can offer, especially as this type of assessment does not always account for those students considered to be bad test-takers. The process of language learning is, by nature, a complex task. When studying abroad, this process encompasses three main domains: the language learner, the second language, and the immersion setting. The intrinsic permeability among these domains reveals the complexity of the process of language learning abroad, particularly when the sojourn is short term. Every language learner who studies abroad is unique and experiences the language learning process at a different level. Thus, from a self-efficacy theory perspective—and to allow the voices and stories of the participants to be heard—this study implements a phenomenological case study design to gain insights into participants’ self-efficacy perceptions of their language learning abroad. Self-efficacy is identified in the literature as the central phenomenon influencing students’ achievement as well as the determining factor of students’ success during a short-term sojourn. In this study, five cases shared their stories regarding the process of learning Spanish abroad in relation to self-efficacy perceptions and beliefs. Data sources included in-depth three-way interviews, field observations, and student artifacts. Inductive analysis guided the highlight of significant statements and the creation of clusters and themes; cross-case analyses allowed for a thorough analysis and aided the in-depth description of the essence of the phenomenon at hand for each case. Several important findings related to the process of language learning during short-term sojourns emerged through themes and subthemes. Through interactions with the host family and other native speakers, the participants discovered their real language level while abroad. Coming out of their comfort zones while interacting and using Spanish abroad enabled the participants to increase their self-efficacy perceptions. The more they took part in authentic language tasks, the more participants experienced an increase in their beliefs in their abilities to learn Spanish. Future research is needed in the area of self-efficacy in order to elucidate language learners’ beliefs in their capabilities to acquire a second language abroad.
Holly Johnson, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Emilie M. Camp, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Brenda Refaei, Ed.D. (Committee Member)
Foreign Language; Language; Linguistics
self-efficacys; self-efficacy perceptions of language learning; self-efficacy and language learning abroad; short-term language study abroad; language learning abroad; language gain in short-term language study abroad

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Añorga, A. G. (2016). Students’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Second Language Learning: Experiences in a Short-term Study Abroad [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1459438207

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Añorga, Angel. Students’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Second Language Learning: Experiences in a Short-term Study Abroad. 2016. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1459438207.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Añorga, Angel. "Students’ Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Second Language Learning: Experiences in a Short-term Study Abroad." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1459438207

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1459438207
921
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.