On Domain-Specific Conceptualization and Measurement of Grit in L2 Learning

As a personality trait, second language (L2) grit—a combination of perseverance and passion for L2 learning—has recently been proposed as a meaningful predictor of learners’ motivational behavior and L2 achievement. The results of a growing body of empirical studies carried out in various L2 contexts have substantiated the power of L2 grit in predicting L2 success. In this paper, we contend that grit and its potential effects on L2 outcomes should be conceptualized and measured in a domain-specific fashion. We argue that a domain-specific measure of grit enhances its predictive and construct validity and better captures its differential effects in various domains and across languages. We then briefly review the findings of existing grit research in L2 contexts with respect to their domain-general versus domain-specific conceptualization of grit. Finally, we conclude the paper by discussing several issues raised against domain-general grit and discuss their potential relevance to domain-specific grit research in the context of L2 learning.

The Use of Information and Communication Technologies to Increase the Motivation of Students When Studying English as a Foreign Language

The research is devoted to the study of the possibilities of using information and communication technologies to increase the motivation of students in the process of learning English. Based on the results of a survey attended by 400 second-year students of the XXXX University being involved in the experimental course, the evolution of motivational behavior in the learning process has been demonstrated. The scientific value of the study relates to the concept outline of the synergistic relationship between the motivational behavior of students and the content of the online learning course. The practical value of the study relates to the demonstration of the educational experience of constructing the concept of an effective training course with a focus on maintaining the appropriate level of motivation.

Leptin Receptor Expressing Neurons in the Substantia Nigra Regulate Locomotion, and in The Ventral Tegmental Area Motivation and Feeding

Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone, important in the regulation of body weight. Leptin plays a role in food reward, feeding, locomotion and anxiety. Leptin receptors (LepR) are expressed in many brain areas, including the midbrain. In most studies that target the midbrain, either all LepR neurons of the midbrain or those of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were targeted, but the role of substantia nigra (SN) LepR neurons has not been investigated. These studies have reported contradicting results regarding motivational behavior for food reward, feeding and locomotion. Since not all midbrain LepR mediated behaviors can be explained by LepR neurons in the VTA alone, we hypothesized that SN LepR neurons may provide further insight. We first characterized SN LepR and VTA LepR expression, which revealed LepR expression mainly on DA neurons. To further understand the role of midbrain LepR neurons in body weight regulation, we chemogenetically activated VTA LepR or SN LepR neurons in LepR-cre mice and tested for motivational behavior, feeding and locomotion. Activation of VTA LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased motivation for food reward (p=0.032) and food intake (p=0.020), but not locomotion. In contrast, activation of SN LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased locomotion (p=0.025), but not motivation for food reward or food intake. Our results provide evidence that VTA LepR and SN LepR neurons serve different functions, i.e. activation of VTA LepR neurons modulated motivation for food reward and feeding, while SN LepR neurons modulated locomotor activity.

Dopamine: The Amazing Molecule

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases of motor functions and psychiatric conditions. Dopamine is also the key modulator for motivational behavior and brain reward system and regulates food intake as well. It has some neuroendocrine function too. It is noteworthy that dopamine has so many diverse roles in the CNS. DA has various pathways such as the Nigrostriatal pathway, Mesolimbic pathway, Mesocortical pathway and Tuberohypophyseal pathway. It has D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 metabotropic receptors and interacts with cholinergic, GABAergic, opioidergic and glutamatergic systems. DA also activates diverse second messengers and pathways. These complicated interactions partly explain its diverse actions. The aim of the present chapter is to summarize data on the contribution of DA in the pathogenesis of many conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and addiction.

Infl uence of digitalization on young specialists education, formation of their motivational behavior in an eff ort to achieve effi cient results of the company’s business

The article deals with potential measures of human resources development through active introduction of innovational digital technologies targeted at production design, acquisition of new demands of clients, manufacturing and proliferation of high-demand goods and services. Such an approach makes it possible to attract promising young specialists, having the knowledge and skills of productive application of digital technologies, existing platforms, applications in work in an effort to achieve necessary results in the company operation.

A Path Analysis of Learning-Motivation-Behavior Affecting Factors Among Higher Vocational College Students

This paper made an investigation into the motivation-behaviors affecting factors of the carefully-selected 20 willing learners, 20 unwilling learners among 597 students from foreign languages department in two higher vocational colleges. An analysis has been made in the learning-motivation-behavior affecting factors route paths of students in higher vocational colleges. We found that there are universality and individuality in factors that predict the motivation behavior of three categories of students. Predictive factors of motivational behavior include motivation levels and learning strategies. The regression effects of learning strategies on motivational behavior are the greatest in the three categories of path analysis. It shows that learning strategies determine the performance of their motivational behavior, at the same time, it shows individual variance.

Kurdish Students’ Motivation to Study in Hungary

The present study intends to explore the motivation of Kurdish students to study in Hungary. To answer the query of the study; an in-depth qualitative interview method was employed. Nine higher education level students (BA, MA or PhD), five males and four females who are studying at four different universities in Hungary were interviewed. Individual face to face interviews were organised to engage into the details of what could be achieved from the participants and to discover their study experiences deeply. Based on the collected data outcomes; a process model of Kurdish student motivation to study in Hungary was designed which identifies the main stages of their motivational behavior in a process way from the initial wishes to accomplishments. The findings reveal that several reasons have impacts on responders` decision making and the choice of country. Also, the participants are highly motivated on their studies because of the future accomplishments they could gain as the result of pursuing their studies abroad and getting an international qualification.

Kurdish Students’ Motivation to Study in Hungary

The present study intends to explore the motivation of Kurdish students to study in Hungary. To answer the query of the study; an in-depth qualitative interview method was employed. Nine higher education level students (BA, MA or PhD), five males and four females who are studying at four different universities in Hungary were interviewed. Individual face to face interviews were organised to engage into the details of what could be achieved from the participants and to discover their study experiences deeply. Based on the collected data outcomes; a process model of Kurdish student motivation to study in Hungary was designed which identifies the main stages of their motivational behavior in a process way from the initial wishes to accomplishments. The findings reveal that several reasons have impacts on responders` decision making and the choice of country. Also, the participants are highly motivated on their studies because of the future accomplishments they could gain as the result of pursuing their studies abroad and getting an international qualification