Learning English at the elementary level often presents various challenges for students, particularly in contexts where English is taught as a foreign language. This study aims to investigate the difficulties faced by sixth grade students in learning English at Muhammadiyah 1 Elementary School. The research employed a descriptive qualitative design. The subjects of the study were sixth grade students, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using classroom observations, questionnaires, and interviews to gain comprehensive insights into students’ learning difficulties.
The findings reveal that students experience several major difficulties, including limited vocabulary mastery, problems with pronunciation, low understanding of grammar, and lack of confidence in speaking English. In addition, insufficient exposure to English outside the classroom and limited learning media were found to contribute to these difficulties. These challenges negatively affect students’ motivation and participation during English lessons.
The study implies that teachers need to apply more interactive teaching strategies, provide varied learning media, and create a supportive learning environment to reduce students’ difficulties in learning English. Improving teaching methods is expected to enhance students’ English learning outcomes at the elementary level.
Mulki Yustinto, Solehan· Teaching English and Languag...· 0 citations
The increasing prevalence of short attention spans in digitally mediated learning environments presents significant challenges for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. This descriptive qualitative study investigates (1) the behavioral and cognitive characteristics of short attention spans among EFL learners, (2) their effects on vocabulary development, reading fluency, and listening comprehension, and (3) instructional strategies that may mitigate their negative impact. Conducted in a natural classroom setting at the university level, the study employed purposive sampling and collected data through in-depth interviews, structured observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed inductively through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with triangulation ensuring credibility. The findings indicate that short attention spans are reflected in task-switching behavior, digital distraction, and mind-wandering, which disrupt sustained cognitive engagement. Listening comprehension was found to be the most vulnerable skill due to the transient nature of auditory input, while reading fluency and vocabulary retention were also adversely affected by attentional fragmentation. However, pedagogical strategies such as task chunking, interactive learning, multimodal instruction, and structured breaks were identified as effective in enhancing attentional stability. The study underscores the importance of integrating attention management into EFL instructional design to improve learner engagement and learning outcomes.
Uas Gna, Washlurachim Safitri, Epi Wadison et al.· Teaching English and Languag...· 0 citations