Motivated Learning Strategies and Critical Thinking: Evaluating the Effectiveness of WebQuest-Based EFL Teaching in Taiwanese Higher Education

Abstract

We delved into the various studying approaches adopted through a survey of 56 undergraduates majoring in English using the WebQuest platform. How eagerly the students participated in learning with Pintrich’s Motivated Strategies was investigated. In the survey, a questionnaire was created and used as an assessment tool. In the course structure, the WebQuest methodology was used, supplemented by the Learning Object Review Instrument. The participants employed critical thinking abilities more regularly than effort-based tactics with WebQuest interactions. This demonstrates a direct link between the study approaches employed and the student’s motivation. The results have significant implications for educators, signifying that motivated studying in the WebQuest framework boosts the effectiveness of technology-assisted foreign language learning.

Keywords

• motivated learning strategies
• Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ)
• WebQuest
• EFL
• higher education