Investigating the Iranian University Students’ Attitude towards English as a Foreign Language across Majors

Attitudes toward English learning vary among learners of English as Foreign Language (EFL).The present study was conducted in Ahvaz Azad University, aiming at investigatingEFL students attitudes toward English learning using The Beliefs about Language Learning Questionnaire by Boonrangsri (2004) and Attitude and Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) designed by Gardner (1985). Therefore, a sample including 87 male (n = 49) and female (n = 38) Mechanic and Nursing EFL university students was selected. Also, a comparison was done using independent samples t-test and means of both majors in the above-mentioned questionnaire were compared. The analysis of the data indicated these participants positive attitudes toward English learning but mechanic students attitude (M=3.75) was more positive compared to nursing students (M = 3.59). The results obtained from t-test indicated lack of any statistically significant difference between two majors (p > .05). It is suggested that EFL teachers be aware of their students attitudes toward English learning and do their best to enhance their positive attitudes.

Keywords:

Attitude , Attitude toward English , Motivation , EFL