4 Counterproductive Learner Beliefs and How to Tackle Them (original) (raw)

Abstract

A great deal of TESOL literature shows that learners are likely to hold certain beliefs on language learning, which strongly influence the way in which they regard and approach tasks. Learners are also reluctant to let go of these beliefs, which can significantly clash with our own views as teachers. When this happens, research (Brown, 2009; Huang, 2006) suggests that the consequences are, among others, learner dissatisfaction, potential discontinuation of language study, reduced learner confidence in teachers, reduced willingness to participate, and classroom tensions. If we want our classrooms to be a place of productive, collaborative, and respectful learning, we need to avoid the temptation of dismissing our learners' beliefs as naïve and actually address them. In this article, I will address some common beliefs (or misconceptions) held by learners and propose a framework to manage them in three steps.

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