Challenging Tasks, Motivated Cadets: Structural Validation of Task Challenge in ESP Reading for Aviation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54147/langitbiru.v19i1.1575Keywords:
ESP Motivation, Task Challenge, Aviation English, SEM Validation, Reading EngangementAbstract
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) plays a crucial role in preparing aviation cadets to comprehend technical documents and operate safely in global contexts. This study explores how perceived task characteristics—task relevance, benefit, and challenge—affect cadets' motivation in ESP reading tasks. Utilizing a quantitative-confirmatory design, data were collected from 95 cadets and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that among the three constructs, only task challenge significantly predicted cadet motivation and confidence in reading. Task relevance and benefit, while positively perceived, did not produce statistically significant effects. The results highlight the central role of task difficulty in fostering engagement and persistence among cadets. The validated model underscores the importance of designing reading tasks that are optimally challenging to enhance motivation in high-stakes educational environments. This study provides empirical grounding for curriculum innovation in aviation English and contributes to the theoretical understanding of motivational dynamics in ESP contexts.
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References
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Komonniramit, K., & Tepsuriwong, S. (2023). Learners’ Motivation to Participate in Course-Adjunct English Activities: A Case Study of a High- And a Low-Motivation Learner. rEFLections, 30(3), 940–959. https://doi.org/10.61508/refl.v30i3.268951
Lena, M. S., & Nikolov, M. (2025). Young Learners’ Perceptions of How Their Teachers, Peers, and Parents Impact Their EFL Motivation and Task Engagement: A SEM Study. Education Sciences, 15(9), 1169. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091169
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Malila Carvalho de Almeida Prado, Terenzi, D., Tosqui-Lucks, P., & Zhou, Z. (2023). Language of Aircraft Documentation: Using a Multilingual Corpus in Collaborative Work in Lexicography and Pedagogy. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 041. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap230103005c
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Rahmati, M., & Izadpanah, S. (2021). A Study of the Proficiency and Performance of Iranian Air Traffic Controllers: Attitude, Work Experience and Specific Aviation English Courses. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-020-00105-y
Razak, S. S. (2025). Adoption and Avoidance of Task-Based Language Teaching: Evidence From Malaysian University Classrooms. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(24), 677–687. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2025.924ileiid0072
Rochmawati, L., Fatmawati, F., & Sukma, M. M. (2023). Motivation, Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy in Learning Aviation English: A Study of Indonesian Aviation Cadets. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-023-00212-6
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Scheidemann, B., Gasteiger, H., & Puca, R. M. (2022). Effects of Affiliation-, Achievement-, and Power-Related Topics in Mathematical Word Problems on Students’ Performance, Task-Related Values, and Expectancies. Plos One, 17(6), e0270116. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270116
Sihombing, D. W., Dwiyani, N., Martha, Y. N., Hutabarat, C., & Sutrisno, S. (2024). Impact of International Standards on Maritime Education: Perspectives of Junior Cadets. Meteor Stip Marunda, 17(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.36101/msm.v17i1.357
Simanjuntak, M. B., Rafli, Z., & Utami, S. R. (2024). Impact of English Language Proficiency on Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection. E3s Web of Conferences, 577, 01002. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202457701002
Supunya, N. (2023). A Systematic Review on ESP Teachers: Current Focus, Collaboration, and Sustainability. Reflections, 30(2), 287–317. https://doi.org/10.61508/refl.v30i2.267295
Thambirajah, J. I., & Krish, P. (2023). Acquiring Technical Terms for Report Writing Using Online Resources: A Case Study With Aircraft Maintenance Learners. Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education, 38(1), 189–212. https://doi.org/10.21315/apjee2023.38.1.10
Treadaway, M., & Read, J. (2024). Setting Standards for a Diagnostic Test of Aviation English for Student Pilots. Language Testing, 41(3), 557–583. https://doi.org/10.1177/02655322231224051
Villalba, S. M. (2021). Written Expression in English for Specific Purposes Through Blogging and Cooperative Learning. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 171. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap2003171m
Wen, C. H., Ying, L. C., Huat, A. T., Mohammad Affiq Bin Kamarul Azlan, Shy, F. P., & Baoshun, S. (2021). The Effects of Task-Based Language Teaching and Audio-Lingual Teaching Approach in Mandarin Learning Motivation. International Journal of Language Education, 5(4), 396. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v5i4.19898
Yan, Z. (2025). An AI-Enhanced Motivational Model for ESP in Aviation: Insights From Chinese Vocational Flight Attendant Training. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(11). https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i11.11621
Zečević, S. (2025). Project-Based Learning in English for Specific Purposes Instruction in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges. Zbornik Radova Filozofskog Fakulteta U Pristini, 55(3), 59–79. https://doi.org/10.5937/zrffp55-60473
Zhao, W. (2023). A Corpus-Based Study on Aviation English From the Perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Discourse & Communication, 17(5), 630–661. https://doi.org/10.1177/17504813231171644
Zhou, A. J. (2025). Assessing English Language Needs of Chinese Medical Students: Implications for ESP Curriculum Design. Asian Pendidikan, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.53797/aspen.v5i1.5.2025
Balaskas, S., Yfantidou, I., Nikolopoulos, T., & Komis, K. (2025). The Psychology of EdTech Nudging: Persuasion, Cognitive Load, and Intrinsic Motivation. European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education, 15(9), 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe15090179
Dũ, T. T., Đức, L. V., The, N. H., & Dung, Đ. T. B. (2025). Challenges Faced by EFL Students at a University in Vietnam in Developing English Speaking Skills and Pedagogical Strategies Used by Instructors. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 8(2), 2026021. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2026021
Ivashkov, Y., PLUHINA, A., & ZADOIANCHUK, R. (2025). Application of Information and Communication Technologies in Professional Foreign Language Training of Aviation Technical Personnel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Збірник Наукових Праць Національної Академії Державної Прикордонної Служби України Серія Педагогічні Науки, 40(1), 56–72. https://doi.org/10.32453/pedzbirnyk.v40i1.1855
Klychkov, S. A. (2025). A Task-Based Approach to the Formation of the Value Attitude of Cadets of the Departmental University of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia to a Person. Samara Journal of Science, 14(1), 133–137. https://doi.org/10.55355/snv2025141305
Komonniramit, K., & Tepsuriwong, S. (2023). Learners’ Motivation to Participate in Course-Adjunct English Activities: A Case Study of a High- And a Low-Motivation Learner. rEFLections, 30(3), 940–959. https://doi.org/10.61508/refl.v30i3.268951
Lena, M. S., & Nikolov, M. (2025). Young Learners’ Perceptions of How Their Teachers, Peers, and Parents Impact Their EFL Motivation and Task Engagement: A SEM Study. Education Sciences, 15(9), 1169. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15091169
Ma, C., & Chen, B.-C. (2025). The Impact of Competitive and Collaborative Environments on Vocational Students’ Competitive Attitudes, Task Motivation, and Adaptability: A Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling Analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 15(4), 433. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15040433
Mahmood, A. S., Saad, N. S. M., & Nur, N. M. (2025). Taking Flight With Aviation English: How Are Malaysian Teachers Preparing the Next Generation? F1000research, 14, 1036. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.169220.1
Malila Carvalho de Almeida Prado. (2024). Pragmática Do Inglês Aeronáutico. Revista De Estudos Da Linguagem, 29(2), 1381–1414. https://doi.org/10.17851/2237-2083.29.2.1381-1414
Malila Carvalho de Almeida Prado, Terenzi, D., Tosqui-Lucks, P., & Zhou, Z. (2023). Language of Aircraft Documentation: Using a Multilingual Corpus in Collaborative Work in Lexicography and Pedagogy. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 041. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap230103005c
Markina, T. V. (2025). The Model of Formation of Professional Reliability of Cadets of Aviation Military Universities. Pedagogika Voprosy Teorii I Praktiki, 10(1), 10–17. https://doi.org/10.30853/ped20250002
Muhrman, K. (2022). How Can Students in Vocational Education Be Motivated to Learn Mathematics? Nordic Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 12(3), 47–70. https://doi.org/10.3384/njvet.2242-458x.2212347
Mulyadi, D. (2025). Bridging Language and Nursing Proficiency: Technology-Enhanced TBLT Integrated Into CLIL in ESP Instruction. Studies in English Language and Education, 12(3), 1153–1170. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v12i3.43482
Munira, S., & Sikder, L. B. (2022). Determining the Understanding of Task-Based Language Teaching Among the English Teachers of NU Affiliated Colleges in Bangladesh. Green University Review of Social Sciences, 7(1–2), 220–235. https://doi.org/10.3329/gurss.v7i1-2.62697
Navickienė, O., & Vasiliauskas, A. V. (2024). The Effect of Cadet Resilience on Self-Efficacy and Professional Achievement: Verification of the Moderated Mediating Effect of Vocational Calling. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330969
Rahayu, N., & Pravitasari, H. (2021). Design-Based Research to Develop SFL-Informed TBLT Instructions: Reflection From Esp Course. Jeell (Journal of English Education Linguistics and Literature) English Departement of Stkip Pgri Jombang, 8(1), 146. https://doi.org/10.32682/jeell.v8i1.1964
Rahmati, M., & Izadpanah, S. (2021). A Study of the Proficiency and Performance of Iranian Air Traffic Controllers: Attitude, Work Experience and Specific Aviation English Courses. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-020-00105-y
Razak, S. S. (2025). Adoption and Avoidance of Task-Based Language Teaching: Evidence From Malaysian University Classrooms. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(24), 677–687. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2025.924ileiid0072
Rochmawati, L., Fatmawati, F., & Sukma, M. M. (2023). Motivation, Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy in Learning Aviation English: A Study of Indonesian Aviation Cadets. Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-023-00212-6
Saputri, F. (2025). Industry-Based Learning as a Pedagogical Bridge: Efl Lecturers’ Views on Esp for Sustainable Hospitality. Proceedings International Conference on Marine Tourism and Hospitality Studies, 2(1), 334–343. https://doi.org/10.33649/iconmths.v2i1.791
Savelev, A. I. (2021). Command-Methodological Competence of Cadets-Military Pilots as a Factor of Flight Safety. Vestnik of Samara University History Pedagogics Philology, 27(4), 85–91. https://doi.org/10.18287/2542-0445-2021-27-4-85-91
Scheidemann, B., Gasteiger, H., & Puca, R. M. (2022). Effects of Affiliation-, Achievement-, and Power-Related Topics in Mathematical Word Problems on Students’ Performance, Task-Related Values, and Expectancies. Plos One, 17(6), e0270116. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270116
Sihombing, D. W., Dwiyani, N., Martha, Y. N., Hutabarat, C., & Sutrisno, S. (2024). Impact of International Standards on Maritime Education: Perspectives of Junior Cadets. Meteor Stip Marunda, 17(1), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.36101/msm.v17i1.357
Simanjuntak, M. B., Rafli, Z., & Utami, S. R. (2024). Impact of English Language Proficiency on Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection. E3s Web of Conferences, 577, 01002. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202457701002
Supunya, N. (2023). A Systematic Review on ESP Teachers: Current Focus, Collaboration, and Sustainability. Reflections, 30(2), 287–317. https://doi.org/10.61508/refl.v30i2.267295
Thambirajah, J. I., & Krish, P. (2023). Acquiring Technical Terms for Report Writing Using Online Resources: A Case Study With Aircraft Maintenance Learners. Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education, 38(1), 189–212. https://doi.org/10.21315/apjee2023.38.1.10
Treadaway, M., & Read, J. (2024). Setting Standards for a Diagnostic Test of Aviation English for Student Pilots. Language Testing, 41(3), 557–583. https://doi.org/10.1177/02655322231224051
Villalba, S. M. (2021). Written Expression in English for Specific Purposes Through Blogging and Cooperative Learning. Journal of Teaching English for Specific and Academic Purposes, 171. https://doi.org/10.22190/jtesap2003171m
Wen, C. H., Ying, L. C., Huat, A. T., Mohammad Affiq Bin Kamarul Azlan, Shy, F. P., & Baoshun, S. (2021). The Effects of Task-Based Language Teaching and Audio-Lingual Teaching Approach in Mandarin Learning Motivation. International Journal of Language Education, 5(4), 396. https://doi.org/10.26858/ijole.v5i4.19898
Yan, Z. (2025). An AI-Enhanced Motivational Model for ESP in Aviation: Insights From Chinese Vocational Flight Attendant Training. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(11). https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i11.11621
Zečević, S. (2025). Project-Based Learning in English for Specific Purposes Instruction in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges. Zbornik Radova Filozofskog Fakulteta U Pristini, 55(3), 59–79. https://doi.org/10.5937/zrffp55-60473
Zhao, W. (2023). A Corpus-Based Study on Aviation English From the Perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Discourse & Communication, 17(5), 630–661. https://doi.org/10.1177/17504813231171644
Zhou, A. J. (2025). Assessing English Language Needs of Chinese Medical Students: Implications for ESP Curriculum Design. Asian Pendidikan, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.53797/aspen.v5i1.5.2025
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Published
2026-02-10
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Dani Chandra Yudho Pranoto, Rufi'i, Sabariah, Bandono A, Susanto F. Challenging Tasks, Motivated Cadets: Structural Validation of Task Challenge in ESP Reading for Aviation. JIA [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 10 [cited 2026 May 7];19(1):41-53. Available from: https://jurnal.overthinkingku.com/index.php/jurnal-ilmiah-aviasi/article/view/1575
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