How Important Is Studying Languages for Undergraduate Students and Why (Not) Study Languages?
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| Title: | How Important Is Studying Languages for Undergraduate Students and Why (Not) Study Languages? |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Koen Van Gorp, Emily Heidrich Uebel (ORCID |
| Source: | Foreign Language Annals. 2024 57(4):900-920. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 21 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Undergraduate Students, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Majors (Students), Language Proficiency, Student Attitudes, Language Enrollment, Career Choice, Student Interests, Correlation, Language Attitudes |
| DOI: | 10.1111/flan.12783 |
| ISSN: | 0015-718X 1944-9720 |
| Abstract: | This study examines the value undergraduate students (n = 4458) place on proficiency in languages other than English (LOTEs) in terms of their personal interests, major(s), and career plans. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of large-scale survey data, the study further explores the reasons students outline for (not) enrolling in LOTE courses and what would motivate them to enroll in language courses in the future. Results indicate that students attached most value in relation to personal interests, followed by career plans and major. In addition, students' demographics and prior experience with language can also impact their future enrollment decisions. The results suggest that not only should institutions lead the way by emphasizing the importance of learning languages, but also that language programs need to listen to students' voices and help them establish clear links between their academic majors, their future career and study plans as well as their personal interests. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/g7t5a |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1452827 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | This study examines the value undergraduate students (n = 4458) place on proficiency in languages other than English (LOTEs) in terms of their personal interests, major(s), and career plans. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses of large-scale survey data, the study further explores the reasons students outline for (not) enrolling in LOTE courses and what would motivate them to enroll in language courses in the future. Results indicate that students attached most value in relation to personal interests, followed by career plans and major. In addition, students' demographics and prior experience with language can also impact their future enrollment decisions. The results suggest that not only should institutions lead the way by emphasizing the importance of learning languages, but also that language programs need to listen to students' voices and help them establish clear links between their academic majors, their future career and study plans as well as their personal interests. |
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| ISSN: | 0015-718X 1944-9720 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/flan.12783 |
