Exposure, motivation, and self-efficacy as determinants of English proficiency
A case study of non-English majors at Panca Marga University
Abstract
In this research, the researchers investigated the key factors that enabled college students outside the English major to enhance their speaking and writing abilities after completing an English course. The study employed a purposeful sample of 90 college students through a cross-sectional quantitative approach. The researchers utilized self-report surveys to assess English Exposure (X1), Learning Motivation (X2), and Self-Efficacy (X3). The researchers also applied a standard English language test alongside a self-assessment tool to gather data on English Language Proficiency (Y). The researchers adopted PLS-SEM, or Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, to examine the collected data. The findings revealed that all three independent variables significantly and positively influenced English Language Proficiency. Learning motivation emerged as the strongest predictor, with self-efficacy and English exposure following in that order. These results highlight the crucial role of students’ interest in English, their internal and external motivations, and their confidence in language abilities for proficiency improvement. Ultimately, the study concludes that educators must foster these psychological and practical elements to help non-English major students advance their language skills.
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References
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Al-Qahtani, M. F. (2013). Relationship between English language, learning strategies, attitudes, motivation, and students’ academic achievement. Education in Medicine Journal, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.5959/eimj.v5i3.124
Bai, B., & Wang, J. (2020). The role of growth mindset, self-efficacy and intrinsic value in self-regulated learning and english language learning achievements. Language Teaching Research, 27(1), 207–228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168820933190
Bilova, A. (2019). Role-play as part of communicative approach in EFL teaching. Anglistics and Americanistics, 1(16), 59–65. https://doi.org/10.15421/381907
Bilova, A. (2022). How to make vocabulary fun with EFL online games. Anglistics and Americanistics, 1(19), 71–79. https://doi.org/10.15421/382208
Bilova, A. (2023). Implementing enjoyable learning strategy with Wordwall in the EFL classroom. Anglistics and Americanistics, (20), 41–46. https://doi.org/10.15421/382308
Budilova, O., & Bilova, A. (2020). Digitizing English lessons: Incorporating interactive platforms into classroom education. Anglistics and Americanistics, (17), 41–47. https://doi.org/10.15421/382007
Dhany, U. R., Wilamsari, F., Musriati, T., Ngatimun, N., Masluha, S., & Rahajeng, Y. (2024). Optimalisasi digital marketing strategy UMKM batik Randu7 Mulia Probolinggo. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat dan Lingkungan (JPML), 2(2), 46-51. https://doi.org/10.30587/jpml.v2i2.7115
Fatimah, A. S., Adiprima, J. B. A., & Abdullah, F. (2023). One student’s English language learning experience: The story of a non-English major college student in Indonesia. Indonesian Tesol Journal, 5(1), 28–39. https://doi.org/10.24256/itj.v1i1.2577
Hair, J. F., Hult, G. T. M., Ringle, C. M., Sarstedt, M., Danks, N. P., & Ray, S. (2021). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using R: A workbook. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80519-7
Hudzafidah, K., Dhany, U. R., Rahmansyah, A. I., & Bahri, M. S. (2023). The effect of profitability on Social Responsibility (CSR) in Indonesia: Environmental performance as a moderator. Wiga : Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Ekonomi, 13(1), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.30741/wiga.v13i1.974
Kim, H.-I. (2022). The impact of individual interest and proficiency on self-efficacy beliefs in foreign language listening. Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition, 8(1), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.31261/tapsla.11162
Liu, C. (2016). A tentative research on learning motivation for non-English majors under multimedia teaching environment. Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Education, Sports, Arts and Management Engineering. https://doi.org/10.2991/icesame-16.2016.281
Musa, N. N., & Fojkar, M. D. (2019). Correlation between students’ English listening skills, vocabulary skills and out-of-school listening exposure. The New Educational Review, 55(1), 42–53. https://cejsh.icm.edu.pl/cejsh/element/bwmeta1.element.ojs-doi-10_15804_tner_2019_55_1_03
Phakiti, A., Hirsh, D., & Woodrow, L. (2013). It’s not only English: Effects of other individual factors on English language learning and academic learning of ESL international students in Australia. Journal of Research in International Education, 12(3), 239–258. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240913513520
Pun, J. (2022). Effects of prior English exposure on Hong Kong tertiary science students’ experiences in EMI Learning. Relc Journal, 55(1), 144–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882221079057
Rahmansyah, A. I., & Dhany, U. R. (2023). Kinerja keuangan, corporate social responsibility, dan peran earnings per share. Measurement Jurnal Akuntansi, 17(2), 196–205. https://doi.org/10.33373/mja.v17i2.5682
Rahmansyah, A. I., Dhany, U. R., Musriati, T., & Widianita, N. P. (2024). Pengaruh inklusi keuangan terhadap kinerja dan keberlangsungan UKM pada pujasera alun-alun kota Probolinggo. Measurement Jurnal Akuntansi, 18(2), 302–313. https://doi.org/10.33373/mja.v18i2.7231
Rahmansyah, A. I., Hudzafidah, K., & Bahri, M. S. (2024). Kepemilikan manajerial sebagai moderasi pengaruh kinerja keuangan terhadap financial distress di Indonesia. Relasi: Jurnal Ekonomi, 20(2), 369–385. https://doi.org/10.31967/relasi.v20i2.1110
Tambunan, D. M., Tambun, Y. M., & Harahap, S. Y. (2024). Motivation and attitude of English language learning among nursing students. Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 6(7), 545–553. https://doi.org/10.33024/minh.v6i7.13253
Teng, M. F., Wang, C., & Wu, J. G. (2021). Metacognitive Strategies, language learning motivation, self-efficacy belief, and English achievement during remote learning: A structural equation modelling approach. Relc Journal, 54(3), 648–666. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882211040268
Wu, X., Yang, H., Liu, J., & Liu, Z. (2022). English use anxiety, motivation, self-efficacy, and their predictive effects on chinese top university students’ English achievements. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.953600
Published
2026-06-30
How to Cite
MASLUHA, Siti; WIDIANA, Nadia Putri.
Exposure, motivation, and self-efficacy as determinants of English proficiency.
Pioneer: Journal of Language and Literature, [S.l.], v. 18, n. 1, p. 32-48, june 2026.
ISSN 2655-8718.
Available at: <https://www.unars.ac.id/ojs/index.php/pioneer/article/view/6573>. Date accessed: 04 aug. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.36841/pioneer.v18i1.6573.
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