ELLs in Higher Education: Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Goal Orientation
Abstract The present study aims to investigate the self-efficacy and goal orientation of college-level English Language Learners (ELLs). It further explores the relationship between self-efficacy and goal orientation. The data was collected from 198 ELLs by using an English Language Learning Survey. The participants had positive self-efficacy towards their English learning. ELLs who were more than 25 years old had a higher level of self-efficacy than those who were less than 25 years old. Moreover, females had a greater mastery goal orientation tendency than males. We also witnessed a positive correlation between self-efficacy and mastery goals, whereas self-efficacy was negatively correlated with performance-avoidance goals. Based on the findings of this study, teachers are encouraged to provide scaffolding and set assessment focus on ELLs improvement and mastery of content to enhance their self-efficacy and facilitate adopting mastery goals.