Teaching beyond boundaries: Teachers as psychologists in English foreign language classrooms

Abstract

It is acknowledged that large waves of recent research have necessitated new ways of thinking about learning and teaching. However, most teachers are not adequately prepared for considering the psychological health of their learners. We may assume that there seem to have no adequate resources to help them understand the fundamental issue that underpins psychology in English Foreign Language classrooms. Hence, this paper aims to redirect teachers’ attention, inspire their curiosity to move from the traditional ways of teaching to psychology-based education, in the hope to prepare our future generation to successfully engage the world. To collect data for the study, the researcher made use of questionnaires for students and teachers, and semi-structured interviews for teachers. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that self-confidence plays a role in learning a new language. Other findings are also displayed in the research and recommendations are made at the end of the study. Keywords: English foreign language; classroom; Anxiety; learners; positive psychology; psychological health; self-confidence.