Al-Absah: Journal of Civilization, Language, Literature, and History
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

Investigating the Relationship Between Duolingo Engagement, Learning Motivation, and Reading Proficiency among Fifth Semester Students at UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta

Cinthya Dhea (UIN Rden Mas Said Surakarta)
Sujito (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 May 2026

Abstract

This study is grounded in the Value-Expectancy Theory and Dornyei’s Motivation Theory, which explain that learners’ motivation and engagement with interactive digital tools can influence their reading performance. The study examines the effects of Duolingo usage and learning motivation on students’ English reading skills through a quantitative, multivariate correlational design. Twenty-five university students completed Likert-scale questionnaires and reading tests. The findings revealed a moderate positive correlation between Duolingo engagement and reading performance (r = 0.421, R² = 0.17, p < 0.05), indicating that increased interaction with the Duolingo application contributes to improved reading skills. Similarly, learning motivation showed a moderate positive correlation with reading performance (r = 0.500, R² = 0.25, p < 0.05), suggesting that higher motivation enhances reading comprehension. The multiple regression model (Ŷ = 10.60+ 0.047X₁ + 0.124X₂) produced an R² value of 0.263 and F = 3.940 (p = 0.034 < 0.05), indicating that both variables simultaneously contributed significantly to reading ability. The concurrent implementation of Duolingo-facilitated digital learning and a high level of learner motivation demonstrates a statistically significant positive impact on students’ English reading proficiency.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

absah

Publisher

Subject

Description

Al-Absah: Journal of Civilization, Language, Literature, and History aims to provide a scholarly platform for the publication of research articles related to the fields of adab, language, literature, and history. This journal welcomes interdisciplinary studies that explore these areas from various ...