Measuring motivation in EFL (English as a Foreign Language)

 Measuring motivation in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learning can be quite nuanced because motivation is a multifaceted construct. Researchers typically rely on quantitative questionnaires, qualitative interviews, or mixed-methods to explore it. Here's a breakdown of how you can approach it:

---

🔍 1. Use Established Questionnaires

✅ a. MSLQ (Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire)

• Widely used in EFL contexts.

• Measures intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, task value, self-efficacy, test anxiety, etc.

• Strength: Strong psychometric properties.

• Tip: You may want to adapt it slightly for EFL learners by making references to English learning tasks.

✅ b. L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS)

• Developed by Zoltán Dörnyei, focuses on:

  • Ideal L2 self (the L2 speaker one wants to become)

  • Ought-to L2 self (social pressure/expectations)

  • L2 learning experience (immediate learning environment)

• Often used in EFL/ESL contexts and linked to learner identity and long-term goals.

✅ c. Gardner’s Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB)

• Measures:

  • Integrative motivation (interest in culture/people of the target language)

  • Instrumental motivation (career, academic, or practical reasons)

• Widely used in early L2 motivation research.

---

✍️ 2. Create a Custom Motivation Scale (Based on a Theoretical Framework)

• You can combine elements from multiple sources to fit your context (e.g., Indonesian EFL students).

• Consider dimensions like:

  • Goal orientation (short-term vs long-term)

  • Classroom engagement

  • Autonomy

  • Perceived value of English

  • Social influences

---

💬 3. Use Qualitative Methods for Deeper Insight

• Semi-structured interviews or focus groups can explore:

  • Why learners study English

  • How their motivation changes over time

  • What affects their motivation (e.g., teaching style, materials, peer influence)

---

🔀 4. Mixed-Methods Approaches

• Use a questionnaire first, then follow up with interviews to explain or expand on the results.

• Helps with triangulation and gives a more complete picture.

---

📏 Tips for Valid Measurement

• Ensure reliability: Run Cronbach’s alpha for your questionnaire.

• Validate content: Use expert judgment or factor analysis.

• Consider translation/back-translation if working in a non-English context.

---