"Don't English Me I'm Panicked": An Investigation of the Leve lof Language Motivation and Language Anxiety of Selected Tmcshs Gas Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the Senior High School (SHS) learners' language motivation orientation and their language anxiety in terms of speech and negative evaluation; self-confidence; and general anxiety.

METHODS

They were asked to accomplish a two-part questionnaire which was simplified and translated to the Filipino language. A total of 124 students were selected using systematic random sampling to represent each section of GA strand.

RESULTS

Results suggest that SHS learners could learn English for immediate need and future career. They claimed that English should be learned to easily get a job and to communicate to the world. They acknowledged and appreciated English since they were very well-oriented on the importance of learning it. In terms of the learner's level of anxiety, SHS students had low self-confidence which may result in speech anxiety.

DISCUSSIONS

It is alarming that these so-called "college-ready students" are not ready to face a communication situation which requires them to use English. Results clearly show that high school learners are still uncomfortable, nervous, and uneasy to use English despite the years of being exposed to English classes from elementary level to the present level. This paper could present a baseline information (as this is just a pilot study) to be used as reference in making intervention plan to address this problem.