Anxiety, attitude, and motivation in ESL speaking: A study of first-year undergraduates at a private university
List of Authors
  • Paul Chandra Bose Selvarajoo , Varneshwari Jootheveloo

Keyword
  • Anxiety, Attitude, Motivation, Cultural Background, First-Year Undergraduate

Abstract
  • This research investigates the relationship between attitude, motivation, and anxiety in speaking English as a second language among first-year undergraduate students at a private university. The study aims to understand how these factors, along with gender, discipline, and language ability, influence students' English language acquisition. By identifying these interactions, the research seeks to inform targeted interventions that can enhance learning outcomes and support students with lower proficiency levels. The study involved a diverse group of students, including those in Foundation, Diploma, and Degree programs, with a majority being female. Data were collected through surveys focusing on students' psychological and demographic profiles. The findings reveal that education level, native language, and language proficiency significantly shape students' attitudes and motivations toward speaking English. Most respondents were in their first year of undergraduate studies and exhibited varying levels of anxiety when speaking English, influenced by their cultural background. Despite some negative experiences with English in the past, students generally perceive English proficiency as crucial for academic success. They are motivated to seek opportunities to practice and improve their skills, maintaining a positive outlook on their ability to enhance their English language proficiency. The results underscore the importance of tailored educational strategies that consider students' unique psychological and demographic factors.

Reference
  • 1. Abdullaev, Z. K. (2021). Second language learning. Mental Enlightenment Scientific Methodological Journal, 2021(06), Article 1.Abdullaev, Z. (2021, September 25). Second language learning. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/107216487/Second_Language_Learning

    2. AdilaJefiza. (2017). Students’ motivation and attitudes toward learning English in an English course. Journal of Language, Literature and Education, 3-7.

    3. Ali Sorayyaei Azar, D. T. (2020). Motivation in second language. School of Education and Social Sciences, 323-333.

    4. Al-Ta’ani, M. H. (2018). Integrative and instrumental motivations for learning English as a university requirement among undergraduate students at Al-Jazeera University/Dubai. International Journal of Learning and Development, 8(4), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329094557_Integrative_and_Instrumental_M otivations_for_Learning_English_as_a_University_Requirement_among_Undergraduat e_Students_at_Al-Jazeera_UniversityDubai

    5. Asnadia Binti Alias, & Nur Atikah Binti Noor Rashid. (2018). The relationship between students’ second language learning. Journal of Counseling and Educational Technology, 50-56.

    6. Jefiza, A. (2017). Students’ motivation and attitudes toward learning English in an English course. VISION.

    7. Purmama, N. A., & Suryani, N. S. (2019). Students’ motivation in learning English. Professional Journal of English Education, 2(4), 539-544.

    8. Pranawengtias, W. (2022). Undergraduate students’ motivation on English language learning at Universitas Teknokrat Indonesia. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 3(2), 27–32. https://jim.teknokrat.ac.id/index.php/english-language-teaching/article/view/1956

    9. Purmama, N. A., Rahayu, N. S., & Yugafiati, R. (2019, July). (PDF) students’ motivation in learning English. Professional Journal of English Education. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337249596_Students’_Motivation_in_Learni ng_English

    10. Balakrishnan, S., Abdullah, N. L., & Linda Khoo, M. S. (2020). English Language Learning Anxiety and its Relationship with Language Achievement: A Study on Learners in a Technical University. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 12(3), 161-170. https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/3743.

    11. Tambunan, A. R., & Siregar, T. M. (2016). Students’ motivation in learning English language (A case study of electrical engineering department students). Journal of English Language Studies, 1(2), 1–8. https://jurnal.untirta.ac.id/index.php/JELS/article/view/956