English language learner experiences of formal and informal learning environments

Abstract

Many people who do not know English have moved to English-speaking countries to learn English. Once there, they learn English through formal and informal methods. While considerable work has studied the experiences of English language learners in different learning environments, we have yet to see analytics that detail the experiences of this population within formal and informal learning environments. This study used the experience sampling methodology to capture the information that is needed to detail the communication and affective experiences of advanced English language learners. The collected data reveals differences in how English language learners perceived their communication success based on their learning context, with higher levels of communicative success experienced in formal learning settings. No such differences were found for learners', highly negative, affect. The data suggest a need for additional emotional support within formal and informal learning environments as well as a need for oral communication support within informal contexts.