Innovation in Language Learning

Successful language acquisition is often related to having good attitude and motivation towards the language.  As a second language, Malaysians acquire English language from the age of four when they start their preschool. Nevertheless, irrespective of learning the English Language in primary school for six years (until Year 6), many Malaysians are still not fluent in speaking English and struggle to be fluent and proficient in English. This present study investigates the attitude of the Year 6 students in English Language learning and how it affects their language acquisition and proficiency in a rural school in Klang, Selangor. The results of this study indicate that attitude plays a vital role in language acquisition. This study also reveals that despite having a positive attitude towards language learning and being aware alone is not insufficient in language learning. Resolution for learners at such could transpire through strategy-based teaching and learning. Support system such as parents, peers and teachers as the support system also plays a role in helping these students to learn the language. This study's findings will help identify appropriate teaching strategies that can be used to teach the students from rural schools and create awareness of their overall teaching needs.

Keywords: attitude, teaching strategies, rural school.

References (partial list): 

• R. M. Mostafizar Rahman, M. (2008, February 2). Attitudes Towards English Among Malaysian Undergraduates. Retrieved from LANGUAGE IN INDIA:
  http://www.languageinindia.com/feb2008/malayenglishattitude.html
• Abidin, M. J.-M. (2012). EFL Students’ Attitudes towards Learning English Language: The Case of Libyan Secondary School Students. Asian Social Science,8(2), 119.
• Abdullah, K.I. et al. (2010). A study on second language speaking anxiety among UTM students. Unpublished report, University of Teknologi Malaysia. Retrieved 12 April 2012 from http://eprints.utm.my
• Ahmed, S. (2015). Attitudes towards English Language Learning among EFL Learners at UMSKAL. Journal of Education and Practice, 6-16.
• Akram, M., & Ghani, M. (2013). The Relationship of Socioeconomic Status with Language Learning Motivation. International Journal of English and Education ISSN: 2278-4012, Volume:2, Issue:2, , 406-413.