The Interplay of Self-Regulation, Grit, and Motivational Beliefs among Learners of French as a Foreign Language

Abstract

As foreign language learning, particularly French, becomes increasingly important in Malaysia, there is a growing need to understand how learners’ confidence, motivation, and determination influence their success in acquiring the language. Self-regulation, grit, and motivational beliefs are among the factors that are associated with academic success. However, research combining all these variables together and focusing on French as a foreign language context remains limited and underexplored. Hence, this current study aimed to examine the interrelationships among French language learners. The objectives of the study focused on three main areas: differences across gender and academic streams, learners’ perceptions of self-regulation, grit, and motivational beliefs, and the connections among these constructs. To address the research goals, a quantitative survey was administered to 277 learners undertaking French language courses. Data were gathered using a questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic background, grit (12 items), motivational beliefs (17 items), and self-regulated learning strategies (7 items). The instrument demonstrated good reliability (α = .852). Analysis of the data revealed that learners displayed positive levels of self-regulation, perseverance, self-efficacy, and perceived value of learning French. Gender and academic disciplines did not significantly affect the findings. Additionally, self-regulation was found to be positively related to both grit and motivational beliefs. The findings further indicated that self- regulated learners are more likely to be grittier and to possess stronger beliefs about their learning abilities. This study contributes to a better understanding of foreign language learning by highlighting the interplay between self-regulation, grit, and motivational beliefs. The findings imply that learners may be able to maintain motivation, manage difficulties, and stay engaged in foreign language acquisition with the encouragement of self-regulated learning approaches from instructors.