A Grounded Theory Study on English Learning Experiences of Student Athletes in a Physical Education High School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate English learning experiences of student athletes in a physical education high school and to identify the situations of English learning, which they have faced. A total of 5 student athletes from D city were selected through the purposive sampling. convenience sampling method. Data was collected through participant in-dept interview and it was analyzed by a grounded theory. The findings were 9 categories and 34 concepts They were categorize into : i) core phenomenon: a difficult challenge of learning English, ii) causal conditions: combining exercising with studying and a lack of basic learning ability, iii) contextual condition: a change of their attitudes regarding learning, ⅳ) intervening conditions: worried about future career and choosing both exercising and studying ⅴ) strategies: A perception on the necessity of learning English, and ⅵ) core phenomenon: Having a confidence through learning English.