The affective experiences of language learners in an English second language classroom : an analysis

[摘要] Research indicates that an affective component is alwaysinvolved in Second Language Learning. Because humans are suchcomplex beings, it is neither possible to identify the exactfeelings and thoughts which play a major role nor todetermine to which extent Second Language Learning isaffected.Literature dealing with the role played by affective factorsin learning, and specifically in SLL, is reviewed in order toestablish which factors play a prominent role. Studentdiaries are used as a tool to determine how adolescentlearners think and feel about studying English SecondLanguage i.e to identify affective factors which play amajor role.The diary entries are then analysed according to a certainframework.The results of the study seem to indicate that certainaffective factors play a very prominent role in SLL. Thesefactors can be classified in three main categories: motivation,attitude and anxiety. Both learning and teaching canonly truly be successful if attention is given to the roleplayed by students' feelings and thoughts.Furthermore, the study seems to prove that student diariesare very useful in the classroom. They allow for self-evaluation,improvement and growth on the students' side andallow the teacher to look into the souls of his pupils,becoming more sensitive to their needs and gaininginsight on the incredible diversity of students in oneclassroom.

[发布机构] North-West University