Exploring the relationship between L2 writing self-efficacy and language proficiency level
Year 2022,
Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 203 - 222, 18.12.2022
Tuba Demirkol
,
Hakan Demiröz
Abstract
This study aims to explore if EFL learners’ self-efficacy perceptions of their L2 writing performance vary by proficiency level. As the research design, the quantitative method was employed and a questionnaire measuring EFL learners’ L2 writing self-efficacy on a Likert scale was used as the data collection instrument. The participants were EFL students (n=47) enrolled in the preparatory program of an English-medium instruction state university in Türkiye. Data analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the participants’ proficiency level and their perceptions of L2 writing self-efficacy. The findings indicate that EFL students develop a more positive attitude towards L2 writing as they progress in language mastery and the preparatory programs appear to be feeding into the appearance of this positive perception. Nevertheless, some points among which idea production represents the biggest concern continue to be an issue deserving much attention across the levels. This finding suggests that L2 writing training should be enhanced with strategies as well as activities that can assist students in producing ideas on given topics.
Supporting Institution
Destekleyen Kurum bulunmamaktadır.
Thanks
We appreciate the contributions of the participants to the study.
References
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- Altınmakas, D., & Bayyurt, Y. (2019). An exploratory study on factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic writing practices in Turkey. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 37, 88-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2018.11.006
- Apridayani, A., & Teo, A. (2021). The interplay among SRL strategies, English self-efficacy, and English proficiency of Thai university students. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(3), 1123-1143. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v8i3.20213
- Bailey, D. R. (2019). Conceptualization of second language writing strategies and their relation to student characteristics. Journal of Asia TEFL, 16(1), 135-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2019.11.1.9.135
Bandura, A. (1995). Exercise of personal and collective efficacy in changing societies. In A. Bandura (Ed.), Self-efficacy in changing societies (pp. 1-45). Cambridge University Press.
Bandura, A. (2005). Guide for creating self-efficacy scales. In F. Pajares & T. Urdan (Eds.), Self-efficacy beliefs of adolescents (pp. 307-337). Information Age Publishing.
- Bárkányi, Z. (2021). Motivation, self-efficacy beliefs, and speaking anxiety in language MOOCs. ReCALL, 33(2), 143-160. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344021000033
- Bektaş-Çetinkaya, Y. (2020). Writing self-efficacy in English as a foreign language: Turkish Context. International Journal of Language Studies, 14(2), 89-102.
- Bian, X., & Wang, X. (2016). Chinese EFL undergraduates’ academic writing: Rhetorical difficulties and suggestions. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(1), 20-29.
- Celaya, M. L., & Nav es, T. (2009). Age-related differences and associated factors in foreign language writing: Implications for L2 writing theory and school curricula. In R. M. Manchon (Ed.), Writing in foreign language contexts: Learning, teaching, and research (pp. 130–155). Multilingual Matters.
- Citil, C., & Yurdakul, B. (2020). Examining English self-efficacy beliefs of university preparatory class students. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 20(86), 39-60. https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2020.86.3
Çimenli, B., & Çoban, M. H. (2019). Self-efficacy beliefs and self-regulated learning strategies of prep school students and their relation with language proficiency levels. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 8(3), 1072-1087. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.603454
- Dipolog-Ubanan, G. F. (2016). L1 influence on writing in L2 among UCSI Chinese students: A case study. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 24(4), 1841-1853.
- Erkan, D. Y., & Saban, A. İ. (2011). Writing performance relative to writing apprehension, self-efficacy in writing, and attitudes towards writing: A correlational study in Turkish tertiary-level EFL. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 13(1), 164-192.
- Ekmekçi, E. (2018). Exploring Turkish EFL students’ writing anxiety. The Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal, 18(1), 158-175.
- Fathi, J., Ahmadnejad, M., & Yousofi, N. (2019). Effects of blog-mediated writing instruction on L2 writing motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation: A mixed methods study. Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics, 10(2), 159-181. https://doi.org/10.22055/RALS.2019.14722
- Genç, E.,& Yaylı, D. (2019). The second language writing anxiety: The perceived sources and consequences. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 45(45), 235-251.
https://doi.org/10.9779/PUJE.2018.231
- Gist, M. E., & Mitchell, T. R. (1992). Self-efficacy: A theoretical analysis of its determinants and malleability. The Academy of Management Review, 17(2), 183-211. https://doi.org/10.2307/258770
- Golparvar, S. E., & Khafi, A. (2021). The role of L2 writing self-efficacy in integrated writing strategy use and performance. Assessing Writing, 47, 100504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2020.100504
- Guo, X., & Huang, L. S. (2020). Are L1 and L2 strategies transferable? An exploration of the L1 and L2 writing strategies of Chinese graduate students. The Language Learning Journal, 48(6), 715-737. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2018.1435710
- Graham, S. (2010). Learner strategies and self-efficacy: Making the connection. Language Learning Journal, 35(1), 81-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571730701315832
- Han, J., & Hiver, P. (2018). Genre-based L2 writing instruction and writing-specific psychological factors: The dynamics of change. Journal of Second Language Writing, 40, 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2018.03.001
- Ortega, L. (2011). Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing. In R. M. Manchon (Ed.), Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn in an additional language 31, pp. 237-250. John Benjamins Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.31.16ort
- Qasem, F. A. A., & Zayid, E. I. M. (2019). The challenges and problems faced by students in the early stage of writing research projects in L2, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. European Journal of Special Education Research, 4(1), 32-47. https://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v0i0.2271
- Kahraman, A. (2012). Prospective ELT teacher's sense of writing self-efficacy and its effects on writing achievement. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 711-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.05.186
- Kim, K. J., & Pae, T. I. (2021). Examining the simultaneous effects of L1 writing, L2 reading, L2 proficiency, and affective factors on different task types of L2 writing. Discourse Processes, 58(7), 662-680. https://doi.org/10.1080/0163853X.2021.1872989
- Kirmizi, Ö., & Kirmizi, G. D. (2015). An investigation of L2 learners' writing self-efficacy, writing anxiety and its causes at higher education in Turkey. International Journal of Higher Education, 4(2), 57-66. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v4n2p57
- Kitikanan, P., & Sasimonton, P. (2017). The relationship between English self-efficacy and English learning achievement of L2 Thai learners. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 10(1), 149-164. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1229638.pdf
- Kormos, J. (2012). The role of individual differences in L2 writing. Journal of Second Language Writing, 21(4), 390-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2012.09.003
- Kormos, J., & Trebits, A. (2012). The role of task complexity, modality, and aptitude in narrative task performance. Language Learning, 62(2), 439-472. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2012.00695.x
- Lu, Y. (2010). Cognitive factors contributing to Chinese EFL learners' L2 writing performance in timed essay writing. [Doctoral dissertation, Georgia State University]. https://doi.org/10.57709/1396514
- Manchón, R. M., & Larios, J. R. D. (2008). Writing-to-learn in instructed language learning contexts. In Soler, E.A., Jordà, M.S. (Eds.) Intercultural language use and language learning (pp. 101-121). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5639-0_6
- Matthews, P. H. (2010). Factors influencing self-efficacy judgements of university students in foreign language tutoring. The Modern Language Journal, 94(4), 618-635. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2010.01057.x
- McLean, S., & Poulshock, J. (2018). Increasing reading self-efficacy and reading amount in EFL learners with word-targets. Reading in a Foreign Language, 30(1), 76–91.
- Mizumoto, A. (2013). Effects of self-regulated vocabulary learning process on self-efficacy. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 7(3), 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2013.836206
Murad Sani, A., & Zain, Z. (2011). Relating adolescents’ second language reading attitudes, self-efficacy for reading, and reading ability in a non-supportive ESL setting. The Reading Matrix, 11(3), 243-254.
- Onoda, S. (2011). Examining the relationships between self-efficacy, effort regulation strategy use, and English vocabulary skills. Reading, 24, 107-125.
- Pajares, F. (2003). Self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19, 139–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308222
- Piniel, K. & Csizér, K. (2014). Changes in motivation, anxiety and self-efficacy during the course of an Academic Writing Seminar. In Z. Dörnyei, P. MacIntyre, & A. Henry (Eds.), Motivational dynamics in language learning (pp. 164-194). Multilingual Matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783092574-015
- Rahimpour, M., & Nariman-Jahan, R. (2010). The influence of self-efficacy and proficiency on EFL learners’ writing. Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 7(11), 19-32.
- Rahman, M. S. (2017). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
- Schunk, D. (2003). Self-efficacy for reading and writing: Influence of modelling, goal setting and self-evaluation. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308219
- Siefert, T. R. (2013). Translation in foreign language pedagogy: The rise and fall of the grammar translation method (Unpublished Doctoral dissertation). Harvard University. Available at https://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10952296
- Silva, T., & Brice, C. (2004). Research in teaching writing. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 70-106. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190504000042
Shukri, N. A. (2014). Second language writing and culture: Issues and challenges from the Saudi learners' perspective. Arab World English Journal, 5(3), 190-207.
- Tahmouresi, S., & Papi, M. (2021). Future selves, enjoyment and anxiety as predictors of L2 writing achievement. Journal of Second Language Writing, 53, 100837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2021.100837
Tanyer, S., & Susoy, Z. (2019). Is L2 writing difficult? Causal attributions of Turkish pre-service EFL teachers and relevance to writing scores. Language Teaching and Educational Research, 2(1), 20-40. https://doi.org/10.35207/later.499153
- Woodrow, L. (2011). College English writing affect: Self-efficacy and anxiety. System, 39(4), 510-522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2011.10.017
- Wyatt, M. (2021). Research into second language learners' and teachers' self-efficacy beliefs: Making the connections. TESOL Quarterly, 55(1), 296-307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3010
- Zabihi, R. (2018). The role of cognitive and affective factors in measures of L2 writing. Written Communication, 35(1), 32-57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741088317735836
- Zabihi, R., Mousavi, S. H., & Salehian, A. (2020). The differential role of domain-specific anxiety in learners’ narrative and argumentative L2 written task performances. Current Psychology, 39, 1438-1444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-018-9850-6
- Zimmerman, B. J. (1995). Self-efficacy and educational development. In A. Bandura (Ed.), Self-efficacy in changing societies (pp. 202-231). Cambridge University Press.
Year 2022,
Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 203 - 222, 18.12.2022
Tuba Demirkol
,
Hakan Demiröz
References
- Al-Gharabally, M. (2015). The writing difficulties faced by L2 learners and how to minimize them. International Journal of English Language and Linguistics Research, 3(5), 42-49.
- Altınmakas, D., & Bayyurt, Y. (2019). An exploratory study on factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic writing practices in Turkey. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 37, 88-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2018.11.006
- Apridayani, A., & Teo, A. (2021). The interplay among SRL strategies, English self-efficacy, and English proficiency of Thai university students. Studies in English Language and Education, 8(3), 1123-1143. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v8i3.20213
- Bailey, D. R. (2019). Conceptualization of second language writing strategies and their relation to student characteristics. Journal of Asia TEFL, 16(1), 135-148. http://dx.doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2019.11.1.9.135
Bandura, A. (1995). Exercise of personal and collective efficacy in changing societies. In A. Bandura (Ed.), Self-efficacy in changing societies (pp. 1-45). Cambridge University Press.
Bandura, A. (2005). Guide for creating self-efficacy scales. In F. Pajares & T. Urdan (Eds.), Self-efficacy beliefs of adolescents (pp. 307-337). Information Age Publishing.
- Bárkányi, Z. (2021). Motivation, self-efficacy beliefs, and speaking anxiety in language MOOCs. ReCALL, 33(2), 143-160. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344021000033
- Bektaş-Çetinkaya, Y. (2020). Writing self-efficacy in English as a foreign language: Turkish Context. International Journal of Language Studies, 14(2), 89-102.
- Bian, X., & Wang, X. (2016). Chinese EFL undergraduates’ academic writing: Rhetorical difficulties and suggestions. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 6(1), 20-29.
- Celaya, M. L., & Nav es, T. (2009). Age-related differences and associated factors in foreign language writing: Implications for L2 writing theory and school curricula. In R. M. Manchon (Ed.), Writing in foreign language contexts: Learning, teaching, and research (pp. 130–155). Multilingual Matters.
- Citil, C., & Yurdakul, B. (2020). Examining English self-efficacy beliefs of university preparatory class students. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 20(86), 39-60. https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2020.86.3
Çimenli, B., & Çoban, M. H. (2019). Self-efficacy beliefs and self-regulated learning strategies of prep school students and their relation with language proficiency levels. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 8(3), 1072-1087. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.603454
- Dipolog-Ubanan, G. F. (2016). L1 influence on writing in L2 among UCSI Chinese students: A case study. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 24(4), 1841-1853.
- Erkan, D. Y., & Saban, A. İ. (2011). Writing performance relative to writing apprehension, self-efficacy in writing, and attitudes towards writing: A correlational study in Turkish tertiary-level EFL. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 13(1), 164-192.
- Ekmekçi, E. (2018). Exploring Turkish EFL students’ writing anxiety. The Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal, 18(1), 158-175.
- Fathi, J., Ahmadnejad, M., & Yousofi, N. (2019). Effects of blog-mediated writing instruction on L2 writing motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation: A mixed methods study. Journal of Research in Applied Linguistics, 10(2), 159-181. https://doi.org/10.22055/RALS.2019.14722
- Genç, E.,& Yaylı, D. (2019). The second language writing anxiety: The perceived sources and consequences. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 45(45), 235-251.
https://doi.org/10.9779/PUJE.2018.231
- Gist, M. E., & Mitchell, T. R. (1992). Self-efficacy: A theoretical analysis of its determinants and malleability. The Academy of Management Review, 17(2), 183-211. https://doi.org/10.2307/258770
- Golparvar, S. E., & Khafi, A. (2021). The role of L2 writing self-efficacy in integrated writing strategy use and performance. Assessing Writing, 47, 100504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asw.2020.100504
- Guo, X., & Huang, L. S. (2020). Are L1 and L2 strategies transferable? An exploration of the L1 and L2 writing strategies of Chinese graduate students. The Language Learning Journal, 48(6), 715-737. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2018.1435710
- Graham, S. (2010). Learner strategies and self-efficacy: Making the connection. Language Learning Journal, 35(1), 81-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571730701315832
- Han, J., & Hiver, P. (2018). Genre-based L2 writing instruction and writing-specific psychological factors: The dynamics of change. Journal of Second Language Writing, 40, 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2018.03.001
- Ortega, L. (2011). Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing. In R. M. Manchon (Ed.), Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn in an additional language 31, pp. 237-250. John Benjamins Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.31.16ort
- Qasem, F. A. A., & Zayid, E. I. M. (2019). The challenges and problems faced by students in the early stage of writing research projects in L2, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. European Journal of Special Education Research, 4(1), 32-47. https://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v0i0.2271
- Kahraman, A. (2012). Prospective ELT teacher's sense of writing self-efficacy and its effects on writing achievement. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 711-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.05.186
- Kim, K. J., & Pae, T. I. (2021). Examining the simultaneous effects of L1 writing, L2 reading, L2 proficiency, and affective factors on different task types of L2 writing. Discourse Processes, 58(7), 662-680. https://doi.org/10.1080/0163853X.2021.1872989
- Kirmizi, Ö., & Kirmizi, G. D. (2015). An investigation of L2 learners' writing self-efficacy, writing anxiety and its causes at higher education in Turkey. International Journal of Higher Education, 4(2), 57-66. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v4n2p57
- Kitikanan, P., & Sasimonton, P. (2017). The relationship between English self-efficacy and English learning achievement of L2 Thai learners. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 10(1), 149-164. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1229638.pdf
- Kormos, J. (2012). The role of individual differences in L2 writing. Journal of Second Language Writing, 21(4), 390-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2012.09.003
- Kormos, J., & Trebits, A. (2012). The role of task complexity, modality, and aptitude in narrative task performance. Language Learning, 62(2), 439-472. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2012.00695.x
- Lu, Y. (2010). Cognitive factors contributing to Chinese EFL learners' L2 writing performance in timed essay writing. [Doctoral dissertation, Georgia State University]. https://doi.org/10.57709/1396514
- Manchón, R. M., & Larios, J. R. D. (2008). Writing-to-learn in instructed language learning contexts. In Soler, E.A., Jordà, M.S. (Eds.) Intercultural language use and language learning (pp. 101-121). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-5639-0_6
- Matthews, P. H. (2010). Factors influencing self-efficacy judgements of university students in foreign language tutoring. The Modern Language Journal, 94(4), 618-635. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2010.01057.x
- McLean, S., & Poulshock, J. (2018). Increasing reading self-efficacy and reading amount in EFL learners with word-targets. Reading in a Foreign Language, 30(1), 76–91.
- Mizumoto, A. (2013). Effects of self-regulated vocabulary learning process on self-efficacy. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 7(3), 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2013.836206
Murad Sani, A., & Zain, Z. (2011). Relating adolescents’ second language reading attitudes, self-efficacy for reading, and reading ability in a non-supportive ESL setting. The Reading Matrix, 11(3), 243-254.
- Onoda, S. (2011). Examining the relationships between self-efficacy, effort regulation strategy use, and English vocabulary skills. Reading, 24, 107-125.
- Pajares, F. (2003). Self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19, 139–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308222
- Piniel, K. & Csizér, K. (2014). Changes in motivation, anxiety and self-efficacy during the course of an Academic Writing Seminar. In Z. Dörnyei, P. MacIntyre, & A. Henry (Eds.), Motivational dynamics in language learning (pp. 164-194). Multilingual Matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783092574-015
- Rahimpour, M., & Nariman-Jahan, R. (2010). The influence of self-efficacy and proficiency on EFL learners’ writing. Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 7(11), 19-32.
- Rahman, M. S. (2017). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102-112. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
- Schunk, D. (2003). Self-efficacy for reading and writing: Influence of modelling, goal setting and self-evaluation. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308219
- Siefert, T. R. (2013). Translation in foreign language pedagogy: The rise and fall of the grammar translation method (Unpublished Doctoral dissertation). Harvard University. Available at https://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10952296
- Silva, T., & Brice, C. (2004). Research in teaching writing. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 70-106. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190504000042
Shukri, N. A. (2014). Second language writing and culture: Issues and challenges from the Saudi learners' perspective. Arab World English Journal, 5(3), 190-207.
- Tahmouresi, S., & Papi, M. (2021). Future selves, enjoyment and anxiety as predictors of L2 writing achievement. Journal of Second Language Writing, 53, 100837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2021.100837
Tanyer, S., & Susoy, Z. (2019). Is L2 writing difficult? Causal attributions of Turkish pre-service EFL teachers and relevance to writing scores. Language Teaching and Educational Research, 2(1), 20-40. https://doi.org/10.35207/later.499153
- Woodrow, L. (2011). College English writing affect: Self-efficacy and anxiety. System, 39(4), 510-522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2011.10.017
- Wyatt, M. (2021). Research into second language learners' and teachers' self-efficacy beliefs: Making the connections. TESOL Quarterly, 55(1), 296-307. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3010
- Zabihi, R. (2018). The role of cognitive and affective factors in measures of L2 writing. Written Communication, 35(1), 32-57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741088317735836
- Zabihi, R., Mousavi, S. H., & Salehian, A. (2020). The differential role of domain-specific anxiety in learners’ narrative and argumentative L2 written task performances. Current Psychology, 39, 1438-1444. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-018-9850-6
- Zimmerman, B. J. (1995). Self-efficacy and educational development. In A. Bandura (Ed.), Self-efficacy in changing societies (pp. 202-231). Cambridge University Press.