Adult learners’ engagement in their foreign language learning: Measurement and associated factors

Authors

Abstract

Student engagement in their foreign language learning (SEFLL) is a construct which is just beginning to be explored in the field of FL learning. Given the incipient nature of research in this field, this study set out to develop and validate a scale in Spanish to measure SEFLL and to identify possible associations and predictor variables. A total of 165 learners completed the questionnaire used to measure the construct. The data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and multiple regression. Out of the 10 independent variables examined, the predictor variables were: gender, age, out-of-class FL use, FL enjoyment, and FL classroom anxiety. This study highlights the need for SEFLL to be investigated in other FL learning contexts and derives some pedagogical implications for the FL teaching-learning process.

Keywords

Student engagement, English language learning, Adult learners, Predicting variables, Measurement

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Author Biography

Irene Acosta-Manzano, Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas de Andalucía / Universidad de Málaga

Especializada en el aprendizaje de lengua extranjera en adultos, con especial atención en los factores que afectan su aprendizaje, es colaboradora honoraria en la Universidad de Málaga y docente de inglés, francés y español de la Junta de Andalucía en Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas.

Published

2025-09-19

How to Cite

Acosta-Manzano, I. (2025). Adult learners’ engagement in their foreign language learning: Measurement and associated factors. Bellaterra Journal of Teaching & Learning Language & Literature, 18(3), e1266. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/jtl3.1266

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