Factors influencing attitude to English at college level

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may influence students' attitude to English at college of education level. Literature dealing with factors affecting students' attitude was reviewed in order to establish which factors play a prominent role in language learning, especially at college level, at home, in society as well as how these factors affect students' achievement in general. In this study a questionnaire was used to determine how college students view their lecturer in terms of his/her personality, qualities, language proficiency, use of English in and out of the class, teaching method, teaching aids and teaching objectives. Students' views on group work, collaboration with and influence of their peers were also examined. The questionnaire was also used to investigate how the students' home circumstances affected their learning, as well as their attitudes towards English. The results of the study indicate that affective factors play an important role in second language learning. These factors influence the individual's reactions to the teaching-learning • method. Most students indicated that they preferred a lecturer who was friendly, allowed them to work at their own pace, was well prepared and used English all the time. They also indicated that they liked working in a group. Home circumstances also play a role in learning because students from a low socioeconomic status seem to have a disadvantage, especially because of a lack of support from their parents. These factors have implications for the student's achievement, because if he I she has a negative attitude, he I she will become discouraged and this impacts on his I her achievement.