The Relationship Between Satisfaction, Self-Confidence, And Group Work in Mandarin Learning

Authors

Goh Chin Shuang

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (Malaysia)

Goh Suat Bee

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (Malaysia)

Leona Kiu King Chieh

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (Malaysia)

Ayisha Zhang Huiqin

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (Malaysia)

Noor Hanim Rahmat

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam (Malaysia)

Feng Hongli

School of Foreign Languages, Ningxia Medical University (China)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100700602

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/7 | Page No: 8832-8849

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-07-23

Accepted: 2026-07-28

Published: 2026-08-08

Abstract

Group work in Mandarin learning, particularly through role-play, is widely practiced but the effects of satisfaction and self-confidence within collaborative contexts remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining their influence on group work among Malaysian undergraduates learning Mandarin as a third language. A quantitative survey of 468 students was conducted using a five-point Likert-scale instrument, which demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha .985). T-test results showed no significant differences across gender, but significant relationships emerged for self-confidence by cluster (p = .043), and for group work (p < .001) and satisfaction (p = .022) by mode of study. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between group work and satisfaction (r = .721, p = .001), and between group work and self-confidence (r = .711, p < .001). Findings suggest that role-play group work enhances collaborative problem-solving, peer accountability, and reduces language anxiety, while effective instructor guidance and engaging methodologies increase satisfaction and confidence. The study implies that group work reinforces constructivist principles, fostering both cognitive and affective outcomes, and highlights the importance of integrating strong instructional design with supportive peer interaction to sustain learner engagement in Mandarin learning.

Keywords

Group work, self-confidence, satisfaction, role-play activities, Mandarin learning

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