Research into second language acquisition (SLA) has shown that individual difference (ID) variables can be strong predictors of language achievement (e.g., Dornyei, 2003; Skehan, 2003). Traditionally, this research conceptualized ID variables as static and monolithic variables (e.g., Dornyei, 2010). More recently scholars have questioned this…

There is a considerable amount of research investigating the impact of variables such as age, gender, and cognitive ability on second language acquisition. In second language acquisition, besides such individual variables, equal importance should be given to the social demographic variables. Therefore, it is crucial to direct this focus towards…

This study modified the dualistic model of passion, adding composite passion and general passion. The study aimed to determine the levels of passion for learning English of English majors, affirm whether passion for learning English changes over the course of time, and investigate to what extent passion for learning English can predict English…

Online language learning with virtual classrooms (OLLVC) is becoming a reality to a large number of students across contexts. Yet students' motivation and engagement in OLLVC remains underexplored. The current study evaluated 6364 university students' motivation and engagement in OLLVC and its interrelationships with environmental support, learner…

Background: There are a number of pathways available for international students to gain admission into universities in English-speaking countries. While many international students for whom English is not their first language succeed academically, there is concern that some do not cope with the demands of university which can affect their…

Most university students are confronted with the feeling of loneliness and face with a number of other personal psychological and social needs during their first years at university. Depending on the students' age, gender, faculty, socioeconomic status or emotional intelligence, these needs may change considerably and affect their academic…

This paper examines evidence for relationships among individual differences (IDs) in L1 achievement, L2 aptitude, and L2 achievement. It begins by providing an overview of my academic journey from L1 educator to L2 researcher and explains the development of the Linguistic Coding Differences Hypothesis (LCDH). Next, I review Peter Skehan's…

This research used the expectancy-value theory to examine the extent to which three classes of motivation antecedents predicted secondary-school students' expectancies of success in English. To this end, it investigated four general motivation orientations, two school-related achievement motives, as well as autonomous and controlled reasons…

The few studies conducted to date on the affective dimension of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) have predominantly focused on the relationship between motivation and language attainment, which points to a need for further investigation. To this end, this cross-sectional study aims at researching the degree of correlation between…

Despite the growing interest in digital game-based learning (DGBL), there has been a lack of attention paid to the effects of individual differences, such as gaming flow experience and gender differences, in a reward-based achievement system. To this end, this study developed an achievement system with a reward mechanism to facilitate English…

This study investigated the perceived sources of support and stress of Brazilian immigrant adolescents living in the United States. The sample was comprised of 62 Brazilian immigrant adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 (M = 16.55, SD = 1.31). The study also explored how these individuals cope with stress and how they help their friends.…

Texas has one of the highest populations of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the country, with a complex system for ELL identification, program placement, and high-stakes assessment. Spanish-speaking Latino ELLs represent a large proportion of this population in the state of Texas. The long-term academic achievement of ELLs identified in…

This paper reviews research to date into the foreign language (FL) gains made by the large number of FL students from the UK who undertake a period of residence abroad (RA) as a component of their degree. It examines in detail the efficacy of the most common form of RA undertaken by UK students, namely the study year at a foreign university (URA).…

This study investigated the effect of motivational factors on English achievement in an intensive English course. The participants consisted of 41 Iranian male military staff, with the age range from 21 to 28. The participants filled a translated and adapted version of the mini-Attiude Motivation Test Battery (a=0.70). Factor analysis of the…

That the English learner (EL) student population is growing is not a problem, but that ELs are not generally thriving in U.S. classrooms is. ELs score lower on tests, get poorer grades, take fewer advanced or college prep classes at the secondary level, and graduate from high school at much lower rates than do native speakers of English. Moreover,…