EFFECTS OF SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENGLISH AT INTERMEDIATE LEVEL IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper was basically aimed at exploring social and psychological factors that affect students’ learning achievement in English as Second language. A mix method approach was used for data collection. A self-reported questionnaire was used as research tool that consisted of questions about six major social and psychological factors that affect students’ learning achievement in English. Sample of this study consisted of 800 students of intermediate level selected randomly. Twenty five parents were selected by using convenience sampling technique. The quantitative data were analyzed by using multiple regression analysis technique while thematic appreciation method was used to analyze qualitative data. The results of the study showed that social and psychological factors such as students’ constructive and critical approach, learning environment, control over educational stress and emotions, health issues, corporal punishment by the teachers, drug usage, 2nd language attitude, aptitude, social milieu and academic anxiety affected students’ academic achievement. In the same way parents’ illiteracy, poverty, time constraints, responsibilities, 2nd language learning anxiety, competitions, no proper guidance, and helplessness in educational achievement, students’ complexes and difficulties in study significantly affected students’ educational attainment at intermediate level. It was concluded on the basis of findings of quantitative and qualitative data analysis its and results that students’ anxiety, drug abuse and health risk behaviors affected their English learning achievement negatively while students’ self-esteem, life skills development and family background had positive effects on students’ learning.