Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Finding the Link Between Iranian EFL Teacher Motivation and Engagement via Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm and Fuzzy Decision Mode

  • Research
  • Published:
Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Teacher motivation is considred as one of the most decisive factorts infulencing teacher functioing as well as students’ achievement. Many variable can develop teacher motoivation. In this study, it is presumed that teacher engagement, comprising three facets of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive influence teacher motivation. To examine this hypothesis, this study takes the initiative to utiliuze an innovative artificial intelliengce (AI)-inspired approach called Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) technique. ACO is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm originating from natural phenomena. The concept originates from biology and physics and specifically from ants’ movements. ACO has the ability to find the connections between inputs and outputs, and it can find the most influencing inputs. Motivation was the output of the study, and the inputs were three different engagement factors. Based on the results, ACO reached a high R-value meaning that it could predict the output with a high accuracy. The findings of this study substantiate the wide-ranging and multifacsted potentials of AI, in particular ACO, in studying and predicting human functioning in academic settings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4a
Fig. 5a
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the first author.

References

  • Ahmadi, A., Noetel, M., Parker, P., Ryan, R. M., Ntoumanis, N., Reeve, J., Beauchamp, M., Dicke, T., Yeung, A., Ahmadi, M., Bartholomew, K., Chiu, T. K. F., Curran, T., Erturan, G., Flunger, B., Frederick, C., Froliland, J. M., González-Cutre, D., Haerens, L., & Lonsdale, C. (2022). A classification system for teachers’ motivational behaviours recommended in self-determination theory interventions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 115(8), 1158–1176. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000783

  • Alam, M. T., & Farid, S. (2011). Factors affecting teachers’ motivation. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 1(2), 101–114. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-04-2014-0057

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amini, M. A., & Kruger, C. G. (2022). The role of Iranian EFL teacher autonomy and reflectivity in teacher self-directed learning: A systematic literature review. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 10(1), 101–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aydin, S. (2012). Factors causing demotivation in EFL teaching process: A case study. The Qualitative Report, 17(1995), 1–13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, J. E., & Mcmullen, P. R. (2004). Ant colony optimization techniques for the vehicle routing problem. 18, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2004.07.001

  • Bernaus, M., & Gardner, R. C. (2008). Teacher motivation strategies, student perceptions, student motivation, and English achievement. Modern Language Journal, 92(3), 387–401. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2008.00753.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blum, C. (2005). Ant colony optimization: Introduction and recent trends. Physics of Life Reviews, 2, 353–373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cordón García, O., Triguero, F. H., & Stützle, T. (2002). A review on the ant colony optimization metaheuristic: Basis, models and new trends. Mathware and Soft Computing, 9(2_3), 141–175.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, H. A., Summers, J. J., & Miller, M. L. (2012). What does it Mean for Students to Be Engaged? An Interpersonal approach to Classroom Management: Strategies for Improving Student Engagement (pp. 21–33). Corwin Press. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483387383.n2

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2011). Teaching and researching motivation. Journal of Enterostomal Therapy , 17. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315833750

  • Dörnyei, Z. (2005). The psychology of the language learner: Individual differences in second language acquisition. Mahwah. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.physiol.62.1.135

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Efaw, J. (2005). No teacher left behind: How to teach with technology. Educause Quarterly, 28(4), 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engin, G. (2020). An examination of primary school students’ academic achievements and motivation in terms of parents’ attitudes, teacher motivation, teacher self-efficacy and Leadership Approach. International Journal of Progressive Education, 16(1), 257–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernet, C., Senécal, C., Guay, F., Marsh, H., & Dowson, M. (2008). The Work tasks Motivation Scale for teachers (WTMST). Journal of Career Assessment, 16(2), 256–279. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069072707305764

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernet, C., Trépanier, S. G., Austin, S., & Levesque-Côté, J. (2016). Committed, inspiring, and healthy teachers: How do school environment and motivational factors facilitate optimal functioning at career start? Teaching and Teacher Education, 59, 481–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.07.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrer, J., Ringer, A., Saville, K., Parris, M. A., & Kashi, K. (2022). Students’ motivation and engagement in higher education: The importance of attitude to online learning. Higher Education, 83, 317–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-020-00657-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, R. C. (1985). Individual differences in second language achievement: focus on attitudes and motivation. In H. Giles (Ed.), Social Phsycology and Second Language Learning: the Role of Attitudes and Motivation (pp. 39–61). Edward Arnold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gorozidis, G., & Papaioannou, A. G. (2014). Teachers’ motivation to participate in training and to implement innovations. Teaching and Teacher Education, 39, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2013.12.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goss, S., Aron, S., Deneubourg, J. L., & Pasteels, J. M. (1989). Self-Organized shortcuts in the Argentine ant. Naturwissenschaften, 76(12), 18–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grassé, P. P. (1959). La reconstruction Du Nid et les coordinations interindividuelles chezBellicositermes natalensis etCubitermes sp. la théorie de la stigmergie: Essai d’interprétation Du comportement des termites constructeurs. Insectes Sociaux, 6(1), 41–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guajardo, J. (2011). Teacher motivation: Theoretical framework, situation analysis of Save the Children country offices, and recommended strategies. Washington, DC: Save the Children.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guilloteaux, M. J. (2013). Motivational strategies for the language classroom: Perceptions of Korean secondary school English teachers. System, 41(1), 3–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2012.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han, J., & Yin, H. (2016). Teacher motivation: Definition, research development and implications for teachers. Cogent Education, 3(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2016.1217819

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heinz, M. (2015). Why choose teaching? An international review of empirical studies exploring student teachers’ career motivations and levels of commitment to teaching. Educational Research and Evaluation, 21(3), 258–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803611.2015.1018278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hildebrandt, S. A., & Eom, M. (2011). Teacher professionalization: Motivational factors and the influence of age. Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(2), 416–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2010.09.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, D. S., & Garey, M. R. (1979). Computers and intractability: A guide to the theory of NP-completeness. WH Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaldi, S., & Xafakos, E. (2017). Student teachers’ school teaching practice: The relation amongst perceived self-competence, motivation and sources of support. Teaching and Teacher Education, 67, 246–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.05.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klassen, R. M., Yerdelen, S., & Durksen, T. L. (2013). Measuring Teacher Engagement: Development of the Engaged teachers Scale (ETS). Frontline Learning Research, 1(2), 33–52. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v1i2.44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kotera, Y., Green, P. & Sheffield, D. (2022). Positive psychology for mental wellbeing of UK therapeutic students: Relationships with engagement motivation resilience and self-compassion abstract. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 20(3), 1611–1626. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00466-y

  • Kulikowski, K., Przytuła, S., & Sułkowski, Ł. (2022). E-learning? Never again! On the unintended consequences of COVID‐19 forced e‐learning on academic teacher motivational job characteristics. Higher Education Quarterly, 76(1), 174–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ladd, H. F., & Sorensen, L. C. (2017). Returns to teacher experience: Student achievement and motivation in middle school. Education Finance and Policy, 12(2), 241–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lai, E. R. (2011). Motivation: A literature review research. Research Reports, 43. https://doi.org/10.2307/3069464

  • Li, Y., & Zhang, L. J. (2022). Influence of mentorship and the working environment on English as a foreign language teachers’ research productivity: The mediation role of research motivation and self-efficacy. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 906932.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, H., & Chu, W. (2022). Exploring EFL teacher resilience in the Chinese context. System, 105, 102752.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mocholi, J. A., Jaen, J., Catala, A., & Navarro, E. (2010). Expert systems with Applications An emotionally biased ant colony algorithm for pathfinding in games. Expert Systems with Applications, 37(7), 4921–4927. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2009.12.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mullen, R. J., Monekosso, D., Barman, S., & Remagnino, P. (2009). A review of ant algorithms. Expert Systems with Applications, 36(6), 9608–9617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2009.01.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niess, M. L. (2005). Preparing teachers to teach science and mathematics with technology: Developing a technology pedagogical content knowledge. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21(5), 509–523.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osman, D. J., & Warner, J. R. (2020). Measuring teacher motivation: The missing link between professional development and practice. Teaching and Teacher Education, 92, 103064.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng, C. (2021). The academic motivation and engagement of students in English as a foreign language classes: Does teacher praise matter? Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollitt, K., & Oldfield, J. (2017). Overcoming the odds: Exploring barriers and motivations for male trainee primary teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education, 62, 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pourtousi, Z., & Ghanizadeh, A. (2020). Teachers’ motivation and its association with job commitment and work engagement. Psychological Studies, 65(4), 455–466. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-020-00571-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Praetorius, A. K., Lauermann, F., Klassen, R. M., Dickhäuser, O., Janke, S., & Dresel, M. (2017). Longitudinal relations between teaching-related motivations and student-reported teaching quality. Teaching and Teacher Education, 65, 241–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.03.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prensky, M. (2007). How to teach with technology: Keeping both teachers and students comfortable in an era of exponential change. Emerging Technologies for Learning, 2(4), 40–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rezakazemi, M., Mosavi, A., & Shirazian, S. (2019). ANFIS pattern for molecular membranes separation optimization. Journal of Molecular Liquids, 274, 470–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sato, M., Fernández Castillo, F., & Oyanedel, J. C. (2022). Teacher motivation and burnout of English-as-a-foreign-language teachers: Do demotivators really demotivate them? Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 891452.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Schaufeli, W. B. (2013). What is engagement. Employee engagement in theory and practice. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2015.12

  • Schaufeli, W., & Bakker, A. (2004). UWES: Utrecht Work Engagement Scale: preliminary manual (p. 60). Utrecht. no. December: Occupational Health Psychology Unit, Utrecht University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soroush, E., Mesbah, M., Hajilary, N., & Rezakazemi, M. (2019). ANFIS modeling for prediction of CO2 solubility in potassium and sodium based amino acid salt solutions. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 7(1), 102925.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sternberg, R. J., & Dai, D. Y. (2004). Motivation, Emotion and Cognition. In Motivation, emotion, and cognition: Integrative perspectives on intellectual functioning and development. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410610515

  • Sudirman, A., Sherly, S., Candra, V., Dharma, E., & Lie, D. (2021). Determinants of teacher performance: Exploring the role of satisfaction and motivation as mediation. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 54(1), 68–79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Takagi, T., & Sugeno, M. (1985). Fuzzy identification of systems and its applications to modeling and control. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, SMC, 15(1), 116–132.

  • Vrasidas, C., & Glass, G. V. (2005). Preparing teachers to teach with technology. IAP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Derakhshan, A., & Zhang, L. J. (2021). Researching and practicing positive psychology in second/foreign language learning and teaching: The past, current status and future directions. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.731721

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, B., Chen, Q., Zhu, J., & Wang, Z. (2010). Ant estimator with application to target tracking. Signal Processing, 90(5), 1496–1509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sigpro.2009.10.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, H. (2009). Student and Teacher De-motivation in SLA. Asian Social Science, 5(1), 109–112. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v5n1p109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, B., & Shen, H. (2012). Predicting roles of linguistic confidence, integrative motivation and second language proficiency on cross-cultural adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 36(1), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

Z.P. wrote the main manuscript, revised the paper, and conceptualized the work. M.B. performed the statistical analysis. A.G. revised the draft. 

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Zahra Pourtousi or Meisam Babanezhad.

Ethics declarations

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Zahra Pourtousi and Meisam Babanezhad are joint corresponding authors.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pourtousi, Z., Babanezhad, M. & Ghanizadeh, A. Finding the Link Between Iranian EFL Teacher Motivation and Engagement via Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm and Fuzzy Decision Mode. Integr. psych. behav. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-024-09818-y

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-024-09818-y

Keywords

Navigation