The FLES Attitudinal Inventory

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated attitudinal changes experienced by elementary students studying a second language and presents the development of an attitudinal assessment instrument, its reliability, and a summary of findings from initial administrations of the inventory. The primary purpose of this study was to compare attitudinal differences between elementary students (K‐5) involved in a regular Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) program with their peers who were not provided with additive foreign language curriculum. Results from the study showed that students participating in FLES programs had positive attitudes relating to school, perceived difficulty in language acquisition, perceived desirability of foreign language study, cultural views, and student self‐esteem and confidence levels in relation to their academic achievement in comparison with their non‐FLES peers. The conclusions of this study suggest that FLES programs provide students with improved motivation to participate, to persist, and to succeed in second language study.