JALT2025 - Tokyo

Sparks that light the wildfire of EFL speaking anxiety

Nov 1, 2025, 6:45 PM

30m

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Psychology and Language Learning Room 504

Speaker

Stachus Peter Tu (Shimane University)

Description

This study explores the causes and solutions to three levels of anxiety among beginner-intermediate Japanese L2 English learners. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews reveal that required first-year courses are related to anxiety, primarily due to the fear of negative evaluation, which is worsened by the lack of peer relationships in group speaking activities. The study emphasizes the need for relationship-building interventions to reduce anxiety in EFL classrooms, particularly for first-year students.

Summary

This study explores the causes and solutions to three levels of anxiety among beginner-intermediate Japanese L2 English learners. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews reveal that required first-year courses are related to anxiety, primarily due to the fear of negative evaluation, which is worsened by the lack of peer relationships in group speaking activities. The study emphasizes the need for relationship-building interventions to reduce anxiety in EFL classrooms, particularly for first-year students.