Unravelling Grit and Motivation as Predictors of English as a Foreign Language Online Learning Readiness

Abstract

Although the rise of online learning is becoming predominant in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings, little is known about the distinct functions of grit and motivation to forecast the willingness of students to study online. This paper aims to uncover how grit and motivation predict online learning readiness in undergraduate EFL students independently and jointly. In a cross-sectional survey, a convenience sample of 103 undergraduates was exposed to three validated measures, EFL grit scale, EFL motivation scale, and online learning readiness scale. Multiple linear regression showed that motivation was a significant positive predictor of readiness to online learning (β =.480, p =.001), but grit was not (β =.133, p =.219). The model explained 32% of the readiness variance (R² = .320, F(2, 86) = 20.271, p < .001). These findings highlight the need for emphasizing the crucial role of motivation to make EFL students ready to succeed in online learning settings. Teachers and policy-makers are advised to focus on motivational techniques, including establishing goals, supporting autonomy, and relevance frames to promote better preparedness and involvement levels among learners in online EFL courses. Future longitudinal studies ought to be conducted on grit and motivation variables to enhance the results of the online learning process.