Factors Contributing to Positive and Negative Attitudes of Students towards the Learning of English Language in Junior High School

Abstract

This study examines the possible factors that contribute to the positive and negative attitudes of students towards the learning of English Language in some selected junior high schools in the Asante Akyem North District of the Ashanti Region. This study offers a broad overview of the field of individual differences in the teaching and learning of English language. All learners are endowed with different mindsets that they employ while performing various activities in their daily lives. Many teachers and researchers believe that learning preferences or learning styles can be used advantageously to enhance English language study and motivate students.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the attitude of students towards the study of English and the competence level of their English. The participants were interviewed and asked to complete questionnaires that would reveal their attitudes toward learning English.

The findings revealed that the students are dominant towards the learning of English; their levels of attitude are influenced by many factors such as lack of adequate and well-qualified English teachers, lack of need-based facilities, and social inadequacies.

The researchers provided recommendations for language teachers and other stakeholders to develop programmes that would encourage and motivate students in their learning of the English language.