scholarly journals Causes of Language Anxiety in an ESL Classroom: Towards a Mentally Healthier Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 452-460
Author(s):  
Salina Sabri ◽  
Zulaikha Khairuddin ◽  
Syafiqah Johan Amir Johan ◽  
Khairunnisa Mohd Daud ◽  
Fatin Fatinah Shamshul Bahrn
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Learning Anxiety ◽  
Perceived Success ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Esl Classroom

In a typical English language classroom, learners are expected to produce written sentences that are grammatically correct, and they are expected to sound native-like in their pronunciation. However, such expectations may cause anxiety and could potentially hinder the success of creating functional and successful language learners. This study aimed to understand undergraduate students’ language learning anxiety and their perceived success in an ESL classroom in the hopes of creating a mentally healthier language learning environment. Through a quantitative approach, the results of the questionnaire showed that reasons that led to undergraduate students’ anxiety in an ESL classroom were fear of tests, fear of comprehension, and fear of negative evaluation by peers. The results also showed that undergraduate students felt less anxious when lecturers provided non-threatening or mentally healthier environment for students to learn in their classroom. It can be concluded that a lecturer’s teaching styles and strategies affected students’ level of anxiety and can help ensure a mentally healthier language learning environment. From the findings, it is recommended that lecturers create a less formal and friendlier classroom atmosphere by providing psychological support and making students aware of the possible channels to seek help when needed.

scholarly journals Using Game-based Technology, KAHOOT! for Classroom Engagement

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Hazwani Mohd Muhridza ◽  
Nur Afifah Mohd Rosli ◽  
Azura Sirri ◽  
Adlina Abdul Samad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Classroom Engagement ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Effective Teaching And Learning ◽  
Esl Classroom

In the recent years, numerous game-based technologies have been developed with the aim of providing fun yet meaningful experience to their users. These technologies are also common among instructors and students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom since they act as supplements for effective teaching and learning. Instructors and students who are now more advanced with technology could benefit from these available game-based technologies as these technologies offer various features that could be utilized for classroom activity. As to ensure the successful implementation of the technologies, students’ engagement in the classroom where the technologies are concerned should be paid attention to. Hence, in the context of this study, the use of one game-based technology, KAHOOT in an ESL classroom was observed. The study examines the students’ level of engagement while playing KAHOOT and also looks at the students’ level of attainment towards the topic content. The study was conducted qualitatively with the participation of 29 undergraduate students. The data was collected via interviews and observations which later was analysed descriptively. The findings suggest that KAHOOT is proven to be useful in initiating and fostering students’ engagement in language learning activity and at the same time enhancing their language skills. The study hopes to provide insights for better implementation of game-based technologies in English language classroom curriculum.

scholarly journals Relationship of School Environment and English Language Learning at Government Schools

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arfan Lodhi ◽  
Abdul Hye Sahar ◽  
Numra Qayyum ◽  
Samreen Iqbal ◽  
Huma Shareef
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
School Environment ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Population Parameter ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Esl Learners

Academic success of language learners is not only determined by their level of intelligence but it is also associated with the learning environment provided to them. The current study is an attempt to investigate the factors which affect learning environment of English language learners at government schools. In this context a survey based research design was selected by following quantitative methodology. Sample was drawn from the population parameter of government schools. The students were selected randomly whereas teachers and head teachers were selected by using convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire was developed, validated and administered to know the perspectives of the selected respondents. Findings of the study revealed that suitable school environment provides significant contributions to ESL learners’ performance and accomplishment. The study also found that student-teacher and teacher-parent relationship promote and strengthen language learning capacity of ESL learners. It is highly recommended to develop such school environment which is conducive to English language learning; as environmental factors at school are as important as pedagogical interventions of ESL teachers.

scholarly journals SONGS, RHYME, GAMES: Getting Children Drawn in the Language Class Through Fun Activities

ELT-Lectura ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Wahyuni Ratu
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
Language Class ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
Free Language

Boredom makes children disinterested in the language classroom. Certain fun activities could be appliedas the strategy of getting children drawn in the language class and to ensure a natural anxiety-free language learning environment. Songs, rhymes and games were fun activities and effective technique to be used for children in the language class. This paper gives a perspective on the useful of Songs, rhymes and games in English language class especially in SMP level to ensure a stress-free environment for beginner English learners by providing the required conditions so that the children learn English with a lot of amusement in the classroom.

scholarly journals Interactive language learning activities for learners’ communicative ability

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1010
Author(s):  
Siti Fatimah Omar ◽  
Haslinda Sutan Ahmad Nawi ◽  
Tengku Shahrom Tengku Shahdan ◽  
Rita Wong Mee Mee ◽  
Lim Seong Pek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Communicative Ability ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Motivation And Learning

Learners’ communicative in English language has been unsatisfactory due to the factors that affect their self-confidence and motivation to speak. However, the problem persisted even though ways were used to overcome the lack of communicative ability among learners in Malaysia. Therefore, this study was conducted to address learners’ perceptions of interactive language learning activities in improving English-speaking ability. The study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of the interactive language learning activities in motivating learners to speak in language classroom. A set of questionnaires containing two sections with 30 questions was administered. There were 50 primary school learners selected randomly to participate in this study. The results were collected and presented in the form of tables. The finding showed that self-confidence, motivation and learning environment affect the learners’ English language speaking ability and the results indicated that interactive language learning activities are able to overcome problems pertaining to communicative in language classroom. In conclusion, interactive language learning activities improved the learners’ English language speaking ability.

scholarly journals A Descriptive Study: Factors Affecting the Pronunciation of English Language (L2)

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Tania Ali Khan
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
English Language ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Teaching Methodologies ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Language Classroom

Acquiring correct second language pronunciation is an indispensable part of the language learning process. It plays a substantial role in enhancing the communicative competence and performance of second language learners. The learning of pronunciation is a very sensitive and complicated aspect of the English language classroom. However, all English language learners are not equally good in learning pronunciation. The aim of this research is to explore the factors which affect the pronunciation of English language learners. Theories, empirical evidence, and personal observations are discussed in this study which classifies the factors affecting pronunciation into two types, that is, inner and outer factors. Inner factors include age, brain, aptitude, types of learners and goals. Outer factors include first language interference, motivation, types of teachers and teaching methodologies, classroom environment, and institutional variables. This research is significant because it highlights the importance of acquiring pronunciation of the second language. Moreover, it provides an insight to language teachers and learners which allows them to critically understand the factors which affect the pronunciation of English as a second language as well as to reflect on their own learning and teaching methodologies. This research is qualitative and descriptive in nature. To support the arguments presented in this research, the researcher sought help form primary source books, personal observations and empirical studies, as well as secondary source research articles, journals and reviews. In conclusion, this study also gives some suggestions to teach pronunciation in the English language classroom.

scholarly journals Mandarin Language Learning Anxiety Among Non-Chinese Learners: A Case of Universiti Teknologi MARA

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hie Ling Ting ◽  
Jiin Yih Yeo ◽  
Vicky Chin
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Language Anxiety ◽  
Foreign Language Anxiety ◽  
Third Language ◽  
Learning Anxiety ◽  
Chinese Learners ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Mandarin Language

Learning Mandarin as a foreign language or third language can be very difficult for non-Chinese learners. In the process of learning Mandarin, non-Chinese learners may experience certain level of foreign language anxiety. The objectives of this study are to investigate Mandarin language anxiety level and its associated factors among non-Chinese learners. This study involved 221 non-Chinese learners who enrolled in Introductory Mandarin Language in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sarawak. The instrument for this study included the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) developed by Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope (1986). The collected data were analysed using Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) 22. The results of the study indicated that most of the non-Chinese learners experienced a moderate level of anxiety while learning Mandarin. The main factor that contributed to their language anxiety was communication apprehension, followed by fear of negative evaluation and test anxiety.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Chinese English Major Students' Learning Anxiety and Enjoyment in an English Language Classroom: A Positive Psychology Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fan Fang ◽  
Xiaofei Tang
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
English Major ◽  
Psychology Perspective

Many studies have explored learner psychology in relation to second language acquisition (SLA) in order to understand the effectiveness and difficulties of language learning. In the last two decades, emotional factors in students' language learning have garnered much attention in the field of SLA. However, more recently, studies have begun to focus on enjoyment and its relationship with anxiety. By collecting data at a provincial key university in southeast China, the study discussed in this paper investigated English major university students' emotions related to learning English. By collecting questionnaire responses from 140 English major undergraduates and conducting interviews with six students, the findings revealed that the participants' levels of foreign language enjoyment (FLE) were significantly higher than their levels of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) and that they experienced FLE more frequently than FLCA. It was also found that the participants' FLE was more related to their teachers and peers and their FLCA was more related to their emotions, such as fear of a negative evaluation and speaking without sufficient preparation. In addition, this study also provides a few pedagogical implications for improving foreign language learning outcomes and teaching efficiency in English teaching and learning.

scholarly journals A diary study on the causes of English language classroom anxiety

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Gkonou
Keyword(s):  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Negative Evaluation ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Learning Anxiety ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Classroom Anxiety

<p>Drawing on learners’ diaries, the study reported in this article focused on the English language classroom anxiety (ELCA) of eight Greek EFL learners in private language school settings. The study investigated the extent to which anxiety is amenable to change and the factors contributing to the creation and increase in students’ anxiety in class. A training session prior to the commencement of keeping a diary was conducted with the participants under the supervision of the researcher. A total of 64 entries were collected and analysed through qualitative content analysis. The results indicated that students’ ELCA fluctuated over time, thus proving that language anxiety is a situation-specific as well as a dynamic variable in L2 contexts. Moreover, a closer scrutiny of the diary data revealed an interplay between linguistic and non-linguistic difficulties substantially affecting learning. Anxiety lay mainly with the participants’ perceptions of the input taught, of classroom procedures, and of themselves as learners. Socio-psychological constraints raised by the diarists included fear of negative evaluation by the teacher and by the peers with specific attention to mistakes and correction, and extrinsic motivation. Based on the findings, suggestions are made to improve teacher education and training and to slightly deviate from the exam oriented nature that the Greek educational system imposes on EFL learning.</p>

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