Students ‘Attitudes Towards The English Course in The Department of French at Tlemcen University

Abstract

Language attitude is one of the major factors that differentiate between accomplishment and failure in language learning. Indeed, it is one of the learning factors that determine student’s success. This study was conducted in order to gather information regarding the issue of FFL students’ attitudes towards learning additional foreign language. The main purpose of the study is to identify third year French students’ language needs and measure their degree of motivation regarding the proposed English course. In this case study, three research methods were used to collect data; a questionnaire for the students, a semi-structured interview for the English teachers, and a classroom observation at the department of French at Tlemcen University. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the gathered data revealed that the majority of French students are not motivated to learn English although they are aware of the importance of the English language. To further reinforce positive attitude towards English courses, a number of suggestions and recommendations were put forward as the use of ICTs, teacher’s technological skills training, authentic teaching materials and collaboration between language teacher and subject specialist. To conclude, the present work showed that studying learner’s attitudes is a variable of paramount importance for understanding the process of English teaching and learning.