The purpose of this study was to determine if any theories emerged from self-directed learning, teacher-directed learning, or both combined for better possible results in Japanese adult learners. The study examined second language journals, blogs, and websites for 10 consecutive years (2008-2018) to assess the study. This was a Grounded Theory, Qualitative Content Analysis study. The three data sources included scholarly journals, blogs, and websites from 2008-2018. Three cycles of coding were completed with each data source and the process was repeated with the outcome results from the three data sources inclusively. The theories that emerged proved a strong relationship between ESL/EFL learning achievement, motivation and self-efficacy in the English language. Those skills include Motivation/Self-efficacy, Autonomous Support, and Learning curriculum, Collaboration, Assessment and Evaluation. The implications from this research study could impact the education of adult Japanese ESL/EFL university students in terms of effective management of both the learning objectives and the mediums of learning. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]