JALT2025 - Tokyo

How Japanese EFL Learner Beliefs Shift Over Time

Nov 1, 2025, 3:05 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 509

Speaker

Samuel Taylor (Kyushu Sangyo University)

Description

What happens to learner beliefs during a year of university English study? This presentation explores shifts in the beliefs of 1,238 Japanese EFL students, revealing two core factors: Communicative Beliefs and Structured Learning Beliefs. Both declined over time, with proficiency shaping Communicative Beliefs and notable changes in views on traditional learning methods. Discover how learner beliefs evolve and how teachers can better support students in developing positive, realistic views about language learning.

Summary

What happens to learner beliefs during a year of university English study? This presentation explores shifts in the beliefs of 1,238 Japanese EFL students, revealing two core factors: Communicative Beliefs and Structured Learning Beliefs. Both declined over time, with proficiency shaping Communicative Beliefs and notable changes in views on traditional learning methods. Discover how learner beliefs evolve and how teachers can better support students in developing positive, realistic views about language learning.

Presentation materials

Learner Beliefs - Taylor.pdf