Abstract Book of the 9th International Conference on Research in Education
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Transforming ESP Learning: The JobLab Model for Enhancing Motivation and Well-Being
Dr. Olga Kissová, Dr. Mgr. Jana Malchova
ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the impact of the JobLab approach on motivation, satisfaction, and learning outcomes within the frameworks of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and positive psychology. Over a 13-week intervention during the summer semester of 2023/2024. at the University of Žilina, Slovakia, 40 economics students were divided into groups of experimental (N = 20) and control (N = 20). The research addressed the following questions: (1) Does the JobLab approach enhance motivation and satisfaction compared to traditional methods? (2) How does the approach impact career-aligned language skills? Pre-experiment homogeneity between groups was verified using Levene’s test and t-tests. The experimental group participated in an SDT-based, student-centred approach emphasising emotional well-being and career-related tasks supported by digital tools. In contrast, the control group followed traditional teaching methods. A mixed-methods methodology combined quantitative analysis of SDTaligned questionnaires (via SPSS) and qualitative insights from interviews and classroom observations, with data coded for thematic analysis. A mixed-methods methodology combined quantitative analysis of SDT-aligned questionnaires (via SPSS) and thematic analysis of qualitative data from interviews and classroom observations. Statistical results highlighted significant improvements in motivation (p < 0.01), satisfaction (p < 0.01), and career-aligned skills (p < 0.01), validating the efficacy of the JobLab approach.
keywords: JobLab Model, Self-Determination Theory, Positive Psychology, Well-being, English for Specific Purposes (ESP)