Students' Attitudes Toward And Valuation of First-Year Composition (FYC) as Predictors of Students' English 101 Success

Abstract

This study investigates first-year composition students' attitudes toward and valuation of first-year composition (English 101) to learn which variable, attitudes or valuation, has a relationship with students' first-year composition success. The study uses a mixed methods approach involving a survey instrument and focus groups to elicit quantitative and qualitative data from student participants. Only first-year compositions students enrolled in English 101 at Methodist University, a four-year liberal arts institution located in Fayetteville, NC, participated in the study. Study findings suggest attitudes, not valuation, shares a relationship with students' FYC success. Further findings suggest self-efficacy and locus of control, writing apprehension (anxiety), instructors' personalities, and instructors' course delivery affect students' FYC success.