What the study found
The study found that Saudi university students learning English for academic purposes generally showed higher levels of L2 grit, meaning perseverance of effort and consistency of interest in language learning. It also found no significant gender difference, but higher grit among students in scientific disciplines than among those in humanities.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings provide theoretical and pedagogical insights into the role of L2 grit in foreign language learning and instruction. They suggest that understanding L2 grit may be relevant for teaching English as a foreign language.
What the researchers tested
The researchers studied 188 Saudi students enrolled in English for academic purposes courses at a public university in Saudi Arabia. They used a questionnaire in a quantitative design and analyzed the data with descriptive and inferential statistics.
What worked and what didn't
Students reported relatively high levels of both grit dimensions: perseverance of effort and consistency of interest. Gender was not a significant factor, while students in scientific disciplines scored higher than those in humanities. Both grit dimensions were positively correlated with self-reported English proficiency.
What to keep in mind
The summary provided does not describe detailed limitations beyond the study’s specific sample and setting. The findings are based on self-reported questionnaire data from one public university in Saudi Arabia.
Key points
- 188 Saudi university students in English for academic purposes courses took part in the study.
- Students showed higher levels of L2 grit in both perseverance of effort and consistency of interest.
- Gender was not a significant factor in grit levels.
- Students in scientific disciplines reported higher grit than students in humanities.
- Both grit dimensions were positively correlated with self-reported English proficiency.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Saudi students showed higher levels of L2 grit
- Authors:
- Abdulrahman Almarshedy, Oqab Alrashidi
- Institutions:
- ELTE Research Centre for the Humanities, ELTE Research Centre for the Humanities, Methodist University, Methodist University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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