ARTICLE
TITLE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE READING ANXIETY AMONG THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT STUDENTS: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND ALLEVIATING STRATEGIES

SUMMARY

The study investigated factors contributing to English for Theology students’ Foreign Language Reading Anxiety (FLRA) and their strategies to alleviate it. This study was the continuation of a quantitative study involving 63 Theology student participants which found that their FLRA was significantly correlated with their reading achievement negatively. It was also conducted to fill the void in the FLRA literature in the Indonesian university context especially in Theology department necessitating learners to read a lot of passages in English, possibly quite anxiety-provoking for learners. Four selected participants from the previous quantitative study were interviewed and the data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. The study found that low self-confidence, lack of peer support, low self-perceived language competence, low motivation, and unfamiliar vocabulary increased learners' FLRA. Teachers' various methods, emphasising group activities were found to reduce their FLRA whilst whole-class reading activities tended to increase their FLRA. Furthermore, the uses of various reading strategies taught in class to comprehend texts were reported to reduce their FLRA to a certain extent depending on the degree of success of learners in using the strategies. Implications, limitations, and suggested directions for future studies were mentioned in light of the study's findings.

 Articles related


This study highlights on the use of code switching in speaking class and its impact toward the students’ language development in target language. Code switching is a regular phenomenon in multilingual conversations. The purposes of the study are to disco... see more


Diana S Rahman,Wening Sahayu    

Motivation is one of the keys to success in the language learning process. It is a crucial factor for students in learning a foreign language, and the teachers’ ways to motivate students are also essential. This study aims to investigate language teacher... see more


Jeane Theresia Limeranto,Adaninggar Septi Subekti    

This study investigated Theology students’ Foreign Language Reading Anxiety (FLRA) and the relationship between their FLRA and their reading achievement. A number of 63 Theology students participated in this quantitative study. A questionnaire developed ... see more


Amjad Alsyouf,Murad Al Kayed    

This paper proposes Interactive Intervention Strategy (IIS) as an effective activity to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the Arab world and other similar EFL environments. It explores the impact of IIS on the speaking skills (fluency, pronunc... see more


Watcharapol Wiboolyasarin, Phornrat Tiranant, Teavakorn Khumsat, Tidarat Ngamnikorn, Kanokpan Wiboolyasarin, Somkiat Korbuakaew, Nattawut Jinowat    

Background. The effectiveness of oral corrective feedback (OCF) in language learning is influenced by learners' comprehension and response to various OCF techniques. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to consider learners' preferences for OCF strate... see more