Learner Psychology in Cooperative Langu...

This mixed-methods study investigates four aspects related to psychology in foreign language learning: self-concept, learner motivation, foreign language anxiety, and strategic language learning. The aims of the study are to find out

• how students perceive these aspects in the context of self-regulated, cooperative learning,
• how and why the self-perception of students changes over time, and
• how learner cooperation and self-regulation affect these aspects of learner psychology.

A questionnaire was designed to capture the perceptions of teenage secondary school students and to gain a thorough understanding of the aforementioned interrelated psychological characteristics of foreign language learners.

The questionnaire had to fulfil many criteria. Firstly, it had to cover the four topics. Secondly, it had to inquire about a specific teaching methodology applied in the research environment, which potentially shapes the participants’ perception of their individual characteristics and actions in specific language learning situations. Thirdly, it had to engage the respondents in processes of realistic self-reflection and evaluation of individual learning situations. Fourthly, it had to collect quantitative data to enable statistical analyses as well as qualitative responses for an in-depth analysis of individual cases. Fifthly, the response time of the questionnaire had to be within thirty minutes to achieve an adequate response rate.

The questionnaire was issued at three points in time to observe changes in the participants’ perceptions. Moreover, it served as preparation for further inquiry in individual participant interviews. The quantitative data from the first round of data collection are currently statistically analysed. The focus of the study will then shift onto the qualitative answers, which will be thoroughly scrutinised and discussed in much detail. Finally, five individual cases will be presented and the personal perceptions and experiences of two participants who provided detailed information in semi-structured interviews will be further examined. All in all, the research project is designed to generate a series of publications, which will ideally lead to a cumulative post-doctoral degree (Habilitation) in EFL teaching methodology.