Significant Motivational Factors in Self-Directed Learning

In this study, the most influential motivational factor in self-directed learning was explored. The results of previous studies indicated that young Korean learners' levels of self-directed learning were lower than other Asian students' levels. Therefore, it was assumed that Korean university students, adult learners, might not know what to do in order to study English by themselves after spending ten years under the teacher-centered curriculum. This study explored whether or not Korean university students were self-directed learners, and which motivational factors positively or negatively affected their levels of self-directed learning and proficiency improvement. The results showed that the means for the participants' instrumental motivation were higher than those for other motivational factors, but the results of multiple regression analysis indicated that only one motivational factor, interest, contributed to the participants' levels of self-directed learning. However, the final TOEIC scores were regressed on intrinsic motivation, interest, and self-directed learning, while instrumental motivation and interest contributed to the participants' proficiency improvement.