self-efficacy
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- PaperRELC Journal21 Jul 2026
Enhancing English Public Speaking Self-Efficacy and Performance Through a CDIO-Based English Course
Yen-Hui Lu
This quasi-experimental study integrated the CDIO framework into English public speaking instruction for EFL university students in Taiwan. The experimental group showed significantly higher self-efficacy and superior performance in content, organization, and delivery compared to traditional training, but no improvement in language accuracy. Pedagogical implications include using authentic project-driven tasks and supplementing with language-focused interventions.
Original abstract
This study investigates the impact of integrating the Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate (CDIO) framework into English public speaking (EPS) instruction for English as a foreign language (EFL) university students in Taiwan. EPS has been widely recognized as a critical competence in academic and professional contexts, yet EFL learners often struggle with anxiety, limited practice opportunities and low self-efficacy. To address these challenges, the study implemented a quasi-experimental design with two Freshman English classes: a control group receiving traditional presentation training; and an experimental group engaged in a CDIO-based presentation training. Over an 18-week semester, students’ self-efficacy was measured using a validated EPS self-efficacy scale, while performance was evaluated with a rubric assessing language use, content, organization and delivery. Pre-test results showed no significant differences between groups, ensuring baseline equivalence. Post-test findings revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher self-efficacy, as well as superior performance in content development, organizational structure and delivery techniques. However, no significant improvements were found in language accuracy and fluency. These results suggest that CDIO-based instruction enhances students’ confidence and competence in public speaking through authentic, project-driven tasks. The findings yield three key pedagogical implications: (a) integrating authentic, product-based tasks such as sustainable innovation pitches can foster mastery experiences and boost learner motivation and self-efficacy; (b) using CDIO's four-phase structure enables instructors to scaffold content and organizational development through guided brainstorming, outlining and rehearsed delivery; and (c) to address limitations in grammar and vocabulary acquisition, supplementary language-focused interventions such as vocabulary mini-tasks and grammar workshops should be embedded within the CDIO cycle to balance fluency with accuracy. These strategies can optimize the effectiveness of CDIO-based EPS instruction in EFL contexts.
- PaperLanguage Learning & Technology20 Jul 2026
The development of EFL learners’ self-efficacy in technology use environments
Xuelian Li, Manzhen Yang
A mixed-methods study tracked 102 university EFL learners over 15 weeks, finding significant increases in overall, speaking, listening, and writing self-efficacy, but not reading self-efficacy, in technology-rich environments. Qualitative data revealed how technological affordances shaped the four sources of self-efficacy, explaining the lack of reading self-efficacy growth. The study offers pedagogical implications for strengthening reading self-efficacy and optimizing technology use in language learning.
Original abstract
Self-efficacy plays a critical role in language learning motivation, performance, and achievement. However, limited research has examined how different dimensions of English self-efficacy evolve over time and the mechanisms underlying such development in technology use environments. To address these gaps, the present study adopted a mixed-methods design. A total of 102 university students completed questionnaires at three time points over a 15-week period, and 10 participants subsequently took part in semi-structured follow-up interviews. Quantitative findings revealed a significant increase in overall English self-efficacy, as well as in three specific dimensions: speaking, listening, and writing self-efficacy. Qualitative findings further demonstrated how the four sources of self-efficacy, shaped by technological affordances, were associated with students’ efficacy beliefs and helped explain why reading self-efficacy did not show a statistically significant increase within the same learning ecology. The study concluded by discussing pedagogical implications for strengthening reading self-efficacy and optimizing the use of technology in language learning, as well as limitations of the study and directions for future research.