Attitude Towards Learning English: A Perspective from Students in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that affect students' attitudes regarding the study of English as a second language using the perspective of students of economics majors in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Another aim was to develop a method with which educators can improve Vietnamese students' learning attitudes and better engage their students. It was towards these goals that used qualitative research in conjunction with questionnaires and document reviews. Considering 4 out of 32 universities with thousands of students, only 375 respondents prevent the authors from having more immediately actionable recommendations. This was the main limitation of the research. The principal conclusion was that five factors which are internal factors, external factors, social factors, context factors, and needs factors influenced Vietnamese students' attitudes toward learning English. One conclusion indicated recommendations regarding teaching approaches and methods for teachers' instructions, influences of parents, and a hometown familiarity with a student's learning process. From this framework, policymakers and institutions can cooperate in educational development that can contribute to the prospect of Vietnamese students learning English. As the improvement in students' learning attitude continues to appear as a concern to all parties involved, this is a field where continuous research will be required.