Abstract
AbstractInfluencing both language use and language learning, willingness to communicate (WTC), learners’ linguistic self-confidence in their proficiency, and motivation, are among the most important affective variables in language pedagogy and Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Research also indicates that learners’ attitudes towards classroom activities affect target language (TL) use. In an attempt to delve into the intersection between language learners’ WTC, motivation, and preferences for classroom activities, this study examined English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ preferences for classroom activities, and the possible impact of age and gender on these. The research further dissected the relationships between learners’ preferences for various classroom activities and their linguistic self-confidence, motivation, and WTC. Analysis of the data, collected from three questionnaires completed by 188 EFL learners in Iran, indicated that classroom activities focusing on grammar were most preferred. A positive relationship was observed between learners’ motivation and their preference for all (sub)-skills, while their level of reported WTC was found to have a relatively strong positive correlation with their preference for classroom activities focusing on speaking. Results of one-way between-groups analyses of variance pinpointed no statistically significant difference in learners’ preference for the five categories of classroom activities examined in the study among the three study age groups. Results of an independent samples t-test indicated that learners’ gender did not have a statistically significant impact on their preference for classroom activities focusing on different (sub)-skills. Implications of these findings for theory, practice, materials development, and future research in second and foreign language pedagogy are discussed.KeywordsWillingness to communicate (WTC)Linguistic self-confidenceLanguage motivationClassroom activity preferencesEFL
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
