Iranian Medical Students Attitudes towards English Language Learning

ABSTRACT : Among different factors contributing to foreign language learning, affective variables such as attitudes, orientations, motivation, and anxiety are of paramount importance. Among these various factors, learnersʹ attitude towards language learning is considered as one of the key factors in motivating the learners to learn that language. This studyexamined a sample of Iranian medical studentsʹ attitudes towards English language learning. Three aspects of attitude (emotional, cognitive, and behavioral) were taken into consideration. In addition, the effect of learnersʹ demographics on their attitudes was investigated. An adapted questionnaire was employed as a measuring instrument. The participants (N=40, medical students) were required to answer all the 30 items in the questionnaireconcerning attitudes towards English language learning in terms of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional aspects of attitude. The items were put in a 5-point Likert scale. The results showed that the overall mean score of English language attitude among the participants was 65.4 (out of 100, SD= 5.6). The independent samples t-test was carried out to explore the differences in the participants’ attitude towards English language learning by gender. The results showed that the attitude of male students was higher than females. The results of current study implied that Iranian medical students hold highly positive overall attitude regarding English language learning. It is recommended that teachers should be responsive to learners’ attitudes and value their students’ attitudes and preconceptions, as it can affect their success in foreign language learning.