فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

One crucial challenge in higher education is the resistance exhibited by Iranian PhD students, those not majoring in English, to learning the language. Using a collaborative mixed-methods approach, this study investigates the reasons for this resistance and proposes interventions to counter it. The research involved interviews with 263 PhD students and 29 EFL teachers and collecting essays, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. Thematic Analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Correlation Coefficients, and MANOVA were employed for the analysis. The results, which reveal that resistance is rooted in demotivation, the absence of a research mindset, and negative past experiences, underscore the comprehensive nature of this study. However, the study's findings also offer a ray of hope. They underscore the transformative potential of English in unlocking career opportunities and advancing research, thereby boosting motivation. The implications are as follows: integrating English into academic tasks, fostering global perspectives, and enhancing EAP pedagogy. Moreover, the study recommends in-service training for EAP educators, a step that could significantly empower university instructors, institutional policymakers, and educational planners in their efforts to address resistance in Iranian higher education.