Integrating Motivation, Time Management, and Metacognitive Strategies to Enhance EFL Academic Writing in Indonesian Higher Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v12i2.16947

Keywords:

Self-regulated learning, EFL writing, Motivation, Time management, Metacognitive strategies

Abstract

Many EFL students in Indonesia struggle to organize ideas, build coherent arguments, and follow academic conventions, highlighting the need for strong self-regulated learning skills in motivation, time management, and metacognitive awareness. This study examined how these three factors interact to enhance students’ writing performance in Indonesian universities. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 110 students across three universities through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results revealed significant positive relationships among motivation, time management, and metacognitive strategies, indicating that these components support each other in developing writing competence. The qualitative findings further explained this connection, showing that students were motivated but often influenced by grades and deadlines. They managed their time by dividing writing tasks into smaller steps and used metacognitive strategies such as planning, monitoring, and revising with teacher feedback. These findings emphasize the value of integrating motivation, time management, and metacognitive strategies in writing instruction to strengthen self-regulated learning and academic writing performance. The study provides useful implications for lecturers, curriculum designers, and higher education policymakers.

Author Biography

Sinarman Jaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, Indonesia

Sinarman Jaya is a lecturer and researcher in the English Education Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, Indonesia. His research interests include English language teaching, academic writing, self-regulated learning, digital instructional materials, and AI integration in education. He has published works on critical reading, EFL writing, and technology-enhanced learning. In addition to his research, he actively develops e-books and digital tools to promote learner autonomy and improve academic literacy in higher education settings.

References

Al-Othman, A. (2024). EFL students develop cognitive and metacognitive self-regulated writing strategies using automated feedback: A case study. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1405.26

Alanazi, M. (2020). The predictive effects of self-regulated writing strategies on writing performance of Saudi EFL university students. Journal of Educational and Psychological Studies (JEPS). https://doi.org/10.24200/jeps.vol14iss4pp668-678

Alsariera, A., & Alsaraireh, M. (2024). Advancing EFL writing proficiency in Jordan: Addressing challenges and embedding progressive strategies. International Journal of Arabic-English Studies. https://doi.org/10.33806/ijaes.v24i2.664

Anyichie, A., Butler, D., Perry, N., & Nashon, S. (2023). Examining classroom contexts in support of culturally diverse learners’ engagement: An integration of self-regulated learning and culturally responsive pedagogical practices. Frontline Learning Research. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v11i1.1115

Bram, B., & Angelina, P. (2022). Indonesian tertiary education students’ academic writing setbacks and solutions. International Journal of Language Education, 6(3), 267–281. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v6i3.22043

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. Sage.

Camacho, A., Alves, R., & Boscolo, P. (2021). Writing motivation in school: A systematic review of empirical research in the early twenty-first century. Educational Psychology Review, 33(1), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09530-4

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE.

De Smedt, F., Landrieu, Y., De Wever, B., & Van Keer, H. (2023). The role of writing motives in the interplay between implicit theories, achievement goals, self-efficacy, and writing performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1149923

Fan, C., & Wang, J. (2024). Configurational impact of self-regulated writing strategy, writing anxiety, and perceived writing difficulty on EFL writing performance: An fsQCA approach. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61537-x

Gambo, Y., & Shakir, M. (2021). Review on self-regulated learning in smart learning environment. Smart Learning Environments, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-021-00157-8

Graham, S. (2022). Self-efficacy and language learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2022.2045679

Hamdani, M., & Abid, N. (2025). Indonesian EFL students’ writing challenges: A qualitative meta-analysis. Getsempena English Education Journal, 12(1), 14–36. https://doi.org/10.46244/geej.v12i1.3091

Hemmler, Y., & Ifenthaler, D. (2024). Self-regulated learning strategies in continuing education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Educational Research Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2024.100629

Hyland, K., & Hyland, F. (2019). Feedback in second language writing: Contexts and issues. Cambridge University Press.

Jaya, S. (2025a). Linguistic, structural, and cognitive challenges in Indonesian EFL students’ argumentative writing. English Review: Journal of English Education, 13(2), 831–848. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v13i2.11876

Jaya, S. (2025b). Short-term gains, long-term loss: Investigating EFL students’ retention of academic articles after guided writing. PANYONARA: Journal of English Education, 7(2), 183–203. https://doi.org/10.19105/panyonara.v7i2.21147

Liem, G. (2021). Achievement and motivation. Educational Psychology, 41, 379–382. https://doi.org/10.1080/01443410.2021.1924475

Lisá, E., & Sokolová, L. (2023). Motivation to succeed is not enough: Motivated students need to know how to plan/organize their steps on their way to success. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1119409

Liu, Z., Hwang, G., Chen, C., Chen, X., & Ye, X. (2024). Integrating large language models into EFL writing instruction: Effects on performance, self-regulated learning strategies, and motivation. Computer Assisted Language Learning. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2024.2389923

Lourenço, A. A., & Paiva, M. O. A. (2024). Self-regulation in academic success: Exploring the impact of volitional control strategies, time management planning, and procrastination. International Journal of Changes in Education, 1(2), 113–122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewijce42022392

Miles, M. B., Huberman, M. A., & Saldana, J. (2020). Qualitative data analysis (4th ed.). SAGE.

Nevisi, R., & Safiloo, N. (2023). A multi-method probe into the effect of self-regulated learning strategies-based instruction on EFL learners’ essay writing performance, self-regulated strategies, and academic self-efficacy. The Journal of AsiaTEFL. https://doi.org/10.18823/asiatefl.2023.20.3.7.614

Ng, C., Graham, S., Liu, X., Lau, K., & Tang, K.-Y. (2021). Relationships between writing motives, writing self-efficacy and time on writing among Chinese students: Path models and cluster analyses. Reading and Writing, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-021-10190-1

Osman, O., Rahbi, A., Binayan, C., & Abuoaf, M. (2025). EFL students’ academic writing challenges at the Foundation Programme in the University of Nizwa: Challenges and remedy. Arab World English Journal. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol16no1.16

Pintrich, P. R., & Zusho, A. (2022). Student motivation and self-regulated learning in the college classroom. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0245-5_2

Pintrich, P. (2002). The role of metacognitive knowledge in learning, teaching, and assessing. Theory into Practice, 41, 219–226. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4104_3

Rawian, R., & Huang, G. (2025). Metacognitive factors affecting English as a foreign language (EFL) student-writers’ academic writing performance. World Journal of English Language. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v15n5p90

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55, 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.68

Sari, R., Umamah, A., Anggraini, M., Arianto, M., Kurniasih, K., & Mukminatien, N. (2023). Exploring self-regulated writing strategies: A comparison between paragraphs and essays. Studies in English Language and Education. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v10i2.26146

Shen, B., & Bai, B. (2022). Chinese university students’ self-regulated writing strategy use and EFL writing performance: Influences of self-efficacy, gender, and major. Applied Linguistics Review, 15, 161–188. https://doi.org/10.1515/applirev-2020-0103

Shen, B., & Bai, B. (2024). Enhancing Chinese university students’ writing performance and self-regulated learning writing strategy use through a strategy-based intervention. System. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103249

Teng, L., & Zhang, L. (2018). Effects of motivational regulation strategies on writing performance: A mediation model of self-regulated learning of writing in English as a second/foreign language. Metacognition and Learning, 13, 213–240. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11409-017-9171-4

Teng, L. (2021). Individual differences in self-regulated learning: Exploring the nexus of motivational beliefs, self-efficacy, and SRL strategies in EFL writing. Language Teaching Research, 28, 366–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211006881

Umamah, A., Khoiri, N., Widiati, U., & Wulyani, A. (2022). EFL university students’ self-regulated writing strategies: The role of individual differences. Journal of Language and Education. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2022.13339

Wang, C., & Sun, T. (2020). College students’ writing self-efficacy and writing self-regulated learning strategies in learning English as a foreign language. System. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102221

Wang, Y. (2024). The cognitive challenges in argumentative writing for EFL learners: A scoping review. International Journal of Education & Practice, 13(4), 3053–3065. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v13-i4/23721

Yang, L., Liu, Y., & Xu, Z. (2022). Examining the effects of self-regulated learning-based teacher feedback on English-as-a-foreign-language learners’ self-regulated writing strategies and writing performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027266

Yang, L., Zhang, L., & Dixon, H. (2023). Understanding the impact of teacher feedback on EFL students’ use of self-regulated writing strategies. Journal of Second Language Writing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2023.101015

Zhang, Y., & Chieh, Y. (2025). The effects of two self-regulated learning interventions on Chinese EFL students’ self-regulated writing-strategy use, motivational beliefs, and writing performance. System. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103603

Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2011a). Self-regulated learning and performance (H. of Self-Regulation of Learning and Performance; B. J. Zimmerman & D. H. Schunk, Eds.). Routledge.

Zimmerman, B. J., & Schunk, D. H. (2011b). Self-regulated learning and performance. In B. J. Zimmerman & D. H. Schunk (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation of learning and performance (pp. 1–12). Routledge.

Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a self-regulated learner: An overview. Theory into Practice, 41, 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2

Downloads

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Jaya, S. (2025). Integrating Motivation, Time Management, and Metacognitive Strategies to Enhance EFL Academic Writing in Indonesian Higher Education. Jo-ELT (Journal of English Language Teaching) Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa & Seni Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris IKIP, 12(2), 382–393. https://doi.org/10.33394/jo-elt.v12i2.16947

Issue

Section

Articles