Effect of Anxiety on Second Language Learning: A Case Study of Public Secondary School Students

Abstract

Language anxiety can be aroused in many situations. The challenges the undergraduates are faced
with while adjusting to a second language ought to be researched by specialists. In Pakistani setting,
this contextual analysis will feature the connection of the anxiety with the second language learning.
The main aim of the study is to find out the causes of anxiety that affect second language learning at
the secondary level. Main objectives of the study are to explore different strategies and how to build confidence level among students of second language learning. Thus, the nature of the study is quantitative survey-based; the population selected by the researchers was the students at government secondary schools of district Peshawar. Through a stratified sampling technique, four schools were selected; 10 students each from class 9th and 10th participated in the study in order to achieve the desired sample size (80 questionnaires). The data was collected personally by the researchers, arranged into tables, and then analyzed using frequencies and percentage. Most of the respondents were of the opinion that they are nervous and face difficulty in comprehending fast speakers, but do not get bored in the class. Most of the students believed that teachers using different techniques helps them tell stories and makes them active and energetic in the class. The main recommendations are that the awareness of students needs to be raised about the causes that influence their second language learning. Taking into consideration the results of this research project, teachers need to use language games to improve students’ second language learning. Teachers must try their level best to give rather easy language tests, while all the teacher training institutions should teach the strategies to reduce anxiety of the students.