Students’ boredom in English language classes

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. Boredom in Language Learning: Research has shown that boredom is a common issue in language learning, often caused by repetitive activities, lack of engagement, and irrelevant content. This disengagement can negatively affect students' motivation and progress.

2. Teacher-Centered Approaches: Traditional teacher-centered methods in English classes, which often involve lecturing and rote learning, are known to contribute to boredom. This lack of interactive and communicative activities limits opportunities for students to actively participate.

3. Cultural Influence on Engagement: In many contexts, including Saudi Arabia, cultural factors impact students' engagement levels. Cultural norms may affect students' willingness to actively participate, which can be mistaken for disinterest or boredom.

New Insights from this Study:

1. Perception of Relevance: The study reveals that Saudi students often find English class content irrelevant to their daily lives and future aspirations, which contributes significantly to their boredom and lack of motivation.

2. Preference for Interactive Activities: Students express a strong preference for activities that involve interaction and real-life application, such as group discussions, role-plays, and multimedia content, over traditional lecture-based instruction.

3. Influence of Classroom Environment: The study highlights that a rigid classroom environment, where students have limited opportunities to express themselves, further exacerbates boredom. Students report feeling disconnected when they cannot actively engage or share their perspectives.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Incorporating Relevant Content: Teachers can improve engagement by connecting English language lessons to topics relevant to students' lives and future goals. Customizing content to align with students' interests and cultural context can enhance motivation.

2. Adopting Student-Centered Approaches: Shifting towards more student-centered teaching methods, such as project-based learning and collaborative tasks, can help reduce boredom. These approaches encourage active participation and provide opportunities for students to practice language skills in meaningful contexts.

3. Creating an Inclusive Classroom Environment: Building a supportive and inclusive classroom atmosphere can encourage students to participate without fear of judgment. Providing opportunities for open discussions and peer interactions can foster a more engaging and dynamic learning experience.

REFERENCE:

Article Title: Students’ boredom in English language classes: Voices from Saudi Arabia

Authors: Abdul Aziz Mohamed and Mohamed Ali El Deen

Journal: Frontiers in Psychology Year: 2023