Saudi EFL High School Learners’ Attitude Toward Learning English

Majed Ghazai Alotaibi

doi:10.7176/jep/11-20-10

Abstract

Attitude is an important factor that influences evolving English language learning and determines whether the learner will embrace learning or not. This study aimed at investigating the attitudes of high school learners in Saudi Arabia toward English learning. To achieve this, the descriptive method was used. To collect the data, a 24-item attitude questionnaire was administered to measure learners’ attitudes. Participants consisted of 118 randomly chosen learners in their third year of high school. The results showed that Saudi English language learners had a positive attitude toward learning English. The findings suggested that teachers should create a pleasant classroom atmosphere and design experiences that match the learners’ interests. The study also recommended that other studies should examine the attitude of learners toward learning specific skills, such as writing or reading stories, as well as determine the challenges faced during English learning. Keywords : Attitude, English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, Language learning. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-20-10 Publication date: July 31 st 2020

Highlights

Attitude is a crucial field in social psychology and education studies
There are several reasons for studying attitude toward English language: first, shaping the levels of proficiency in the second language (SL) learning is determined by the attitude; second, to assess whether the situation of learning is good or bad and how cultural context can influence language learning (McKenzie, 2010); positive attitudes can help learners to engage in active efforts to develop their ability in language learning (Cherciov, 2012)
Some studies have investigated the attitude of university students toward English learning (Khan, 2016; Al samadani & Ibnian, 2015), in which educators were advised to design activities and implement strategies to motivate the students and foster them to develop their attitudes toward learning English as a foreign language (EFL)

Summary

Introduction

Attitude is a crucial field in social psychology and education studies. It is investigated in second language (SL) learning to illustrate why there are differences in SL attainment among learners (Tsunemoto & McDonough, 2020). It is described as a set of beliefs that a student holds toward the second or foreign language, such as whether it is interesting, important or boring (Brown, 2007). A study on high school learners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) suggested that they want a teacher who can encourage them to speak more in the classroom, teach them how to use language outside the classroom, and create an informal environment where they can enjoy learning (Alnourasi, 2013)

Objectives

Conclusion