Impact of group work environment and size on L2 motivation in project-based learning

Group work is often employed in second language (L2) classrooms that focus on project-based learning (PBL). While the significance of group properties in facilitating effective collaboration is widely recognized, the influence of both group size and variations in group work environments on L2 motivation remains inadequately understood within this context. Additionally, although individual learner factors are known to affect L2 motivation, the role of the group work environments in moderating these effects has been less explored. This study aimed to address these gaps by analyzing data from 154 Japanese university students engaged in L2 group work as part of a semester-long PBL framework. The students’ questionnaire responses were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling, a multilevel analytical approach. The results revealed significant differences in L2 motivation across groups, depending on the quality of the group work environment. However, group size did not influence L2 motivation, nor did the impact of individual differences on L2 motivation vary based on the group work environment. These findings underscore the distinct contributions of both contextual factors and individual characteristics to L2 motivation in a PBL setting. • Impact of group work environment on L2 motivation was examined within PBL settings. • Group work environment was found to have a significant impact on L2 motivation in PBL settings. • Group size did not significantly affect L2 motivation in PBL settings. • Group work environment did not moderate the impact of individual differences on L2 motivation in PBL settings.