Investigating the interactions between L۲ Motivational Self-guides, and Type of L۲ Forms with moderating role of Type of L۲ Knowledge

This study examined the interplay among second language form type (easy vs. difficult), the individual difference factors captured by the new Second Language Motivational Self-system (L۲MSS), and the type of L۲ knowledge (explicit vs. implicit), focusing on how newly bifurcated self-guides relate to knowledge of two target forms, using a quasi-experimental design. Participants received explicit form-focused instruction (deductive) on easy and difficult L۲ forms, followed by explicit and implicit knowledge tests for the two forms and completion of the new L۲MSS questionnaire. The sample comprised ۲۵۹ Iranian ESP university students (۱۳۴ males, ۱۲۵ females), aged ۱۸–۲۵, with an average pre-intermediate English level. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. Two target forms (easy and difficult) were tested for explicit/implicit knowledge. The Roehr and Ganem-Gutierrez’s (۲۰۰۹) taxonomy of form difficulty and Papi et al.’s (۲۰۱۹) new four-factor model of L۲MSS were utilized to examine the interrelationships between type of L۲ forms, type of Iranian EFL learners’ motivation, and type of L۲ knowledge. SEM analyses were conducted to examine direct, indirect, and total effects among L۲MSS sub-dimensions and explicit/implicit knowledge across form difficulties The findings illustrated that; ideal L۲ selfown and ought-to L۲ selfown were significant positive predictors of explicit and implicit knowledge, and the explicit knowledge was a significant positive predictor of implicit knowledge of both easy and difficult L۲ forms. The outcomes underscore the substantial role of bifurcated L۲MSS self-guides in shaping explicit and implicit knowledge, with explicit knowledge facilitating implicit knowledge. These results have implications for designing form-focused instruction.

کلیدواژه ها:

learning difficulty ، Implicit Knowledge ، Explicit knowledge ، ideal L۲ Selfown/other ، ought-to L۲ Selfown/other