Findings of the Study

Abstract

The present chapter is devoted to the presentation and discussion of the results of the study undertaken for the purpose of the present volume. Specifically, it focuses on the outcomes of the in-depth analysis of the patterns of boredom as well as the influences shaping these patterns in the four integrated skills classes taught to two groups of Polish university students majoring in English. Initially, the differences in the changes in overall boredom levels in Group 1 and Group 2 will be examined and those in the variations in the levels of boredom at 5-min intervals in Class 1 and Class 2 in both groups will be explored. Subsequently, the focus will be shifted to what transpired in the course of the classes, separately for Group 1 and Group 2. In each case, the results will be presented in the following order: (1) overall variation in boredom levels in both classes with respect to the students’ self-reported ratings of the intensity of this negative emotion (2) the variation in boredom levels during individual classes as well as for individual students, (3) the participants’ evaluations of the classes, and, finally, (4) factors responsible for the changes in the experience of boredom will be considered. This will be followed by the discussion of the findings in terms of the research questions posed for the present empirical investigation and some of the limitations will be highlighted as well.