Interest and Grit Affects Undergraduate Students’ English Language Performance

This study aimed to analyse primary school students' perceptions of learning interest and
perseverance (grit), and the relationship between these two factors and English language achievement. The
study utilised a quantitative research design involving 240 students from three primary schools consisting of
SDN Negeri 1 Tuk, SDN Negeri 1 Kedung Jaya and SDN Negeri 1 Kedung Dawa, Indonesia. Data were collected
through a standardised questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistical tests, validity and reliability
tests, and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that learning interest and perseverance both have a
positive and significant correlation with students' English performance, with perseverance exerting a greater
influence. Regression analysis revealed that perseverance was the strongest predictor of English performance
compared to interest in learning. This finding confirms the importance of psychological factors in supporting
successful language learning at the primary level, and provides implications for teachers to pay attention to
students' affective aspects to sustainably improve English learning outcomes.