Learning motivation and self-efficacy of Indonesian international students in Malaysian universities
A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/9msrh666Keywords:
academic self-efficacy, learning motivation, Indonesian students, international education, structural equation modelingAbstract
This study investigates the structural relationship between academic self-efficacy and learning motivation—both intrinsic and extrinsic—using structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 402 Indonesian students enrolled in five Malaysian universities participated by completing a validated online questionnaire. The findings reveal that academic self-efficacy strongly predicts both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with a more robust effect on the former. In turn, intrinsic motivation significantly contributes to self-efficacy and academic performance, whereas extrinsic motivation has a limited influence. The reciprocal effects between self-efficacy and motivation support the frameworks of social cognitive theory and self-determination theory, highlighting the psychological adaptability of students in culturally adjacent yet institutionally distinct environments. The study offers theoretical and practical insights into fostering student agency and sustainable learning motivation in international education, particularly within Southeast Asia.
References
Albashtawi, A., & Al Awabdeh, A. H. (2023). The Effect of a Cognitive Approach on EFL Students’ Motivation in Terms of Task-Value, Control of Learning Beliefs, and Self-efficacy. Dirasat: Human and Social Sciences, 50(1), 463–474. https://doi.org/10.35516/hum.v50i1.4436
Alesi, M., Giordano, G., Gentile, A., Roccella, M., Costanza, C., & Caci, B. (2023). The mediating role of academic motivation in the relationship between self-efficacy and learning strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Education, 8, 1339211. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1339211
Alkhalifah, Z. (2023). The Impact of Self-Efficacy, Learning Preferential, Learning Motivation and Academic Achievement on EFL Students in Saudi Arabia. World Journal of English Language, 13(1), 225–233. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v13n1p225
Alogiliy, M. A. (2024). The Impact of Self-Efficacy on Academic Achievement Mediated by Learning Motivation and Moderated by Socioeconomic Status Among Jordanian EFL Students. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 14(12), 3871–3879. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1412.22
Amjad, A. I., Malik, M. A., Aslam, S., & Habib, M. (2025). Bridging Motivation and Mastery: The Role of Self-Efficacy in Math Education. TEM Journal, 14(1), 492–502. https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM141-44
Arwin, A., Kenedi, A. K., Anita, Y., Hamimah, H., & Zainil, M. (2024). STEM-based digital disaster learning model for disaster adaptation ability of elementary school students. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 13(5), 3248–3258. http://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v13i5.29616
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.
Bárkányi, Z. (2021). Motivation, self-efficacy beliefs, and speaking anxiety in language MOOCs. ReCALL, 33(2), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344021000033
Basileo, L. D., Otto, B., Lyons, M., Vannini, N., & Toth, M. D. (2024). The role of self-efficacy, motivation, and perceived support of students' basic psychological needs in academic achievement. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1385442. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1385442
Cai, S., Liu, C., Wang, T., Liu, E., & Liang, J.-C. (2021). Effects of learning physics using Augmented Reality on students’ self-efficacy and conceptions of learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(1), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13020
Cai, Y., & Yu, L.-J. (2024). Promoting Creativity in Vocational Education: The Role of Self-Efficacy, Cognitive Style, and Playful Motivation in Students' Innovation Skills Development in Shandong Vocational Colleges. Kasetsart Educational Review, 30(1), 252–279. https://doi.org/10.52152/kuey.v30i1.974
Ciloglu, T., & Ustun, A. B. (2023). The Effects of Mobile AR-based Biology Learning Experience on Students’ Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Attitudes in Online Learning. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 32(3), 309–337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-023-10030-7
De Backer, L., Van Keer, H., De Smedt, F., Merchie, E., & Valcke, M. (2022). Identifying regulation profiles during computer-supported collaborative learning and examining their relation with students' performance, motivation, and self-efficacy for learning. Computers & Education, 179, 104421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104421
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum.
Goke, R., Berndt, M., & Rocker, K. (2021). Classroom Culture When Students are Reluctant to Learn Online: Student Dissent Behaviors Explained by Their Self-Efficacy, Control of Learning, and Intrinsic Motivation. Frontiers in Communication, 6, 641956. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomm.2021.641956
González-Benito, A., López-Martín, E., Expósito-Casas, E., & Moreno-González, E. (2021). The relationship of student academic motivation and perceived self-efficacy with academic performance in distance learning university students. Revista de Investigación Educativa, 27(2), 2. https://doi.org/10.30827/RELIEVE.V27I2.21909
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2019). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Cengage.
Hammad, S., Graham, T., Dimitriadis, C., & Taylor, A. (2022). Effects of a successful mathematics classroom framework on students’ mathematics self-efficacy, motivation, and achievement: A case study with freshmen students at a university foundation programme in Kuwait. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 53(6), 1502–1527. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2020.1831091
Hazizah, N., Rusdinal, R., Ismaniar, I., & Rahman, M. A. (2024). Warrior kids` games on improving the self-efficacy abilities and fine motor skills of 5-6 years old children. Retos, 56, 639–647. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v56.104892
Hidayatullah, A., Abidin, R., & Muqit, A. (2024). Motivation and Behavioral Engagement: The Mediating Role of Mathematics Self-Efficacy in Primary Education. European Journal of Educational Research, 17(3), 237–246. https://doi.org/10.7160/eriesj.2024.170306
Idrus, F., & Halim, A., S. (2023). Examining Service Learning as an Approach to Intensify International Students’ Multicultural Understanding. Journal of International Students, 14(1), 469-486. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v15i1.5499
Kelly, A., Bennett, D., Giridharan, B., & Rosenwax, L. (2020). Post-Degree Intentions of Female International Undergraduate Students Studying in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study. Journal of International Students, 10(1), 145-158. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v10i1.855
Kline, R. B. (2015). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). The Guilford Press.
Kryshko, O., Fleischer, J., Grunschel, C., & Leutner, D. (2022). Self-efficacy for motivational regulation and satisfaction with academic studies in STEM undergraduates: The mediating role of study motivation. Learning and Individual Differences, 93, 102096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2021.102096
Liu, Y. (2024). The impact of students’ academic self-efficacy and learning motivation on academic achievements in private colleges. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and Learning (pp. 366–377). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781032676043-50
Mamolo, L. A. (2022). Online Learning and Students' Mathematics Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Anxiety in the "New Normal." Education Research International, 2022, 9439634. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9439634
Mehar-Singh, M. K. (2015). International Graduate Students’ Academic Writing Practices in Malaysia: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of International Students, 5(1), 12-22. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v5i1.439
Mun, Y. S., & Sam, T. L. (2022). Online Learning Motivation During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Learning Environment, Student Self-Efficacy and Learner-Instructor Interaction. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 19(2), 213–249. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2022.19.2.8
Nachatar-Singh, J. K., & Jack, G. (2021). The Role of Language and Culture in Postgraduate International Students’ Academic Adjustment and Academic Success: Qualitative Insights from Malaysia. Journal of International Students, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v12i2.2351
Omotoy, J. F. (2023). Examining College Students' Self-Efficacy in the Online Learning Environment System During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Higher Education Institutions. Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental, 17(5), e03342. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v17n5-027
Putri, L. D., Rozi, M. F., & Rahman, M. A. (2024). A conceptual family partnership model with Paud institutions in developing the potential of early children based on blended learning. Ensaio: Avaliação e Políticas Públicas em Educação, 32(125), e0244444. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-40362024003204444
Satrio, Y. D., & Sahid, S. (2023). The interplay of TPACK, self-efficacy, and career motivation among economics teachers: A mediation analysis. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 64(4), 125–141. https://doi.org/10.32744/pse.2023.4.8
Shao, Y., & Kang, S. (2022). The Link Between Parent–Child Relationship and Learning Engagement Among Adolescents: The Chain Mediating Roles of Learning Motivation and Academic Self-Efficacy. Frontiers in Education, 7, 854549. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.854549
Sunarti, V., Jamaris, J., Solfema, S., Iswari, M., Hidayati, A., & Rahman, M. A. (2024). Evaluating the effectiveness of a blended learning system for developing technological andragogical content knowledge (TACK) in community educators. Encontros Bibli, 29, e96419. https://doi.org/10.5007/1518-2924.2024.e96419
Tang, S., & Siti Zuraidah, M. O. (2022). COVID-19 Pandemic: Do Learning Motivation and Learning Self-Efficacy Exist among Higher Vocational College Students? Journal of Education and Educational Learning Research, 9(1), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v9i1.3756
Teng, M. F. (2024). Understanding Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation in Online English Learning. Journal of Education and Learning, 27(4). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.27108int
Teng, M. F., Wang, C., & Wu, J. G. (2023). Metacognitive Strategies, Language Learning Motivation, Self-Efficacy Belief, and English Achievement During Remote Learning: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. RELC Journal, 54(3), 648–666. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882211040268
Wei, Y., Shi, Y., MacLeod, J., & Yang, H. H. (2022). Exploring the Factors That Influence College Students’ Academic Self-Efficacy in Blended Learning: A Study From the Personal, Interpersonal, and Environmental Perspectives. SAGE Open, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221104815
Xue, W., & Kaur-Mehar, S. M. (2025). Unveiling the academic, sociocultural, and psychological adaptation challenges of Chinese international students in Malaysia: A systematic review. Journal of International Students, 15(2), 69-86. https://doi.org/10.32674/37286t88
Xu, J., Qiu, X., & Yang, L. (2025). Unraveling the dynamics of English communicative motivation and self-efficacy through task-supported language teaching: A latent growth modeling perspective. *IRAL - International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 63*(1), 367–389. https://doi.org/10.1515/iral-2023-0038
Zainil, M., Kenedi, A. K., Rahmatina, & Indrawati, T. (2024). The influence of STEM-based digital learning on 6C skills of elementary school students. Open Education Studies, 6(1), 20240039. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v10i1.4336
Zheng, B., Chang, C., Lin, C.-H., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Self-Efficacy, Academic Motivation, and Self-Regulation: How Do They Predict Academic Achievement for Medical Students? Medical Science Educator, 31(1), 125–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-020-01143-4
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ciptro Handrianto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) [year] [author]
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
