Challenges in English Learning at Bestlink College: Language Barriers and Fear of Making Mistakes

Challenges in English Learning among Bestlink College Students

Bestlink College of the Philippines, with its diverse student body, encounters a unique set of demotivating factors in the learning of the English language among college students. Two such factors, language barriers and fear of making mistakes, particularly hinder progress and confidence in students' English proficiency.

Language Barriers

Language barriers in the context of English learning arise from students' lack of familiarity with English language conventions, vocabulary, and linguistic structures. Bestlink College students, particularly those from less English-dominant communities, often struggle with the intricacies of English grammar and pronunciation. This struggle is amplified when students come from varying dialects and language backgrounds within the Philippines. One study finds that students' learning experiences and outcomes can be hindered by such linguistic heterogeneity.

The language barrier also arises when students lack exposure to English in their daily lives, which limits their ability to practice and improve their fluency. This is often observed among students who come from homes where English is not frequently spoken.

Fear of Making Mistakes

Fear of making mistakes is a common and debilitating demotivating factor in the learning of English language among college students. This fear is primarily rooted in students' perception of their own ability, their judgement of their performance, and their beliefs about the consequences of making mistakes.

Students often worry about being judged negatively by their peers, teachers, and even themselves for making mistakes in English. This fear can lead to student avoidance of speaking and practicing English, further hindering their progress.

The fear of making mistakes is often intensified by students' lack of confidence in their English abilities. This lack of confidence can be attributed to external factors, such as perceived low expectations from teachers and peers, and internal factors, such as students' negative self-talk and beliefs about their own ability.

Combating Demotivating Factors

Teachers and educators at Bestlink College can combat these demotivating factors in the learning of English language by adopting a student-centered approach that emphasizes the value of mistakes and the importance of practicing and learning from them. Here are some strategies that can be implemented to address language barriers and fear of making mistakes:

1. Creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment: Encourage open dialogue about students' experiences and challenges, and emphasize the importance of collaboration and mutual support within the classroom.

2. Providing scaffolded instruction: Break down complex English language concepts into smaller and more manageable tasks and provide students with explicit support in the form of models, examples, and explanations.

3. Promoting risk-taking and mistake-making: Encourage students to take calculated risks and praise their efforts, even when they make mistakes. This will help students develop resilience and a growth mindset, which are essential for learning and development.

4. Fostering a growth mindset: Help students develop a growth mindset by emphasizing the importance of effort and persistence in learning English. Encourage students to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as signs of failure.

5. Providing authentic practice opportunities: Encourage students to practice English in real-life situations, such as speaking with native speakers, participating in English-language clubs, and watching English-language movies and television shows.

6. Emphasizing the importance of language diversity: Encourage students to respect and learn from the linguistic diversity within the classroom, and to appreciate the value of different dialects and language backgrounds.

By implementing these strategies, educators at Bestlink College can help students overcome the demotivating factors in their learning of the English language, and ultimately foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.