The deficiencies in metalinguistic reflection of the Spanish language (L1) in the first degree course for Modern Languages is the origin of this research. The objective is to find the variable that has a greater influence on the development of metalinguistic reflection as part of the multilingual competence. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA), offered 43 students a classroom workshop production of texts. The selected variables are related to the knowledge of other languages (L1, L2 and L3), intrinsic motivation to participate voluntarily in autonomous work and years of studies in Spanish language. Through the analysis of Pearson correlation index it is concluded that the most influential variable in improving is motivation, followed by knowledge of other languages. This result is useful for future educational activities in Higher Education.