Motivation and learning strategies in accounting: are there differences in English as a medium of instruction (EMI) versus non-EMI students?

espanolEl objetivo de este trabajo es doble: en primer lugar, analizar si existen diferencias en la motivacion y las estrategias de aprendizaje entre los alumnos que estudian asignaturas de contabilidad en espanol o en ingles. En segundo lugar, investigar los principales factores que afectan a la motivacion total de los estudiantes. El cuestionario Motivacion y Estrategias de Aprendizaje (MSLQ) fue aplicado a una muestra de 368 alumnos del grado de Administracion y Direccion de Empresas en varias asignaturas de contabilidad que se impartieron en ingles y en espanol. Se llevaron a cabo analisis estadisticos multivariantes y se encontraron resultados interesantes. El alumnado que estudia un grado en ingles tiene mejores estrategias de aprendizaje y mas motivacion que sus companeros que estudian en espanol. Esto se ve reflejado en su mayor nivel de autoestima, mejor gestion del tiempo de estudio y mayor perseverancia. EnglishThe objective of this paper is twofold: firstly, to analyse if there are differences between students’ motivation and their learning strategies when they study accounting subjects in Spanish or English as a medium of instruction. Secondly, to evidence the factors that mainly influence students’ total motivation. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was carried out on a sample of 368 undergraduate students of a Business Administration Degree, in several accounting subjects taught in English and in Spanish. Multivariate statistical tests were run and interesting results have been found. Students who study a degree in English have more mature learning strategies and motivation than their counterparts. This is shown in their level of self-confidence, time study management and perseverance.