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A Dual-Path Model of Informal English Learning in Boosting Confidence: The Mediating Roles of Online Self-Efficacy and Learning Engagement
School of Culture & Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, China
- 1 School of Culture & Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, China
Open Journal of Modern Linguistics·Volume 16 (2026)·Pages 41–50·Published 2 February 2026·DOI10.4236/ojml.2026.161004
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Abstract
With the rapid development of digital technology, informal English learning (for example, dramas, social media, language-learning apps and so on) has been an important way besides traditional classes. Nevertheless, most of the current research focuses on informal learning environment. So it lacks discussions about how informal ways of learning influence learners’ psychological characteristics. This paper, which is based on Self-Efficacy Theory and Learning Engagement, builds a dual-path model to find the influence mechanism of informal English learning to boost confidence.
KeywordsInformal English LearningSelf-Efficacy TheoryLearning EngagementConfidence
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