{"id":23302,"date":"2023-01-30T10:23:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T17:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=23302"},"modified":"2023-07-12T14:17:50","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T14:17:50","slug":"build-confidence-esl-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/build-confidence-esl-students\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Strategies to Build Confidence in ESL Students"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Language-learning anxiety is a real phenomenon that affects many students and makes them less willing to participate in class activities and even attend a foreign language class at all. This phenomenon is present in all language classes to varying degrees and is usually independent of the studied language. However, English language learners seem to occupy a unique position with specific issues that exacerbate their anxiety. So, what are these issues, and what can teachers do to help build confidence in ESL students <\/a>so that they feel comfortable and thrive in class? Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is language-learning anxiety? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety is a psychological condition that arises in some individuals as a reaction to situations perceived as stressful. Psychologists distinguish among different types of anxiety. Generalized anxiety occurs in individuals with a predisposition not tied to any specific situation. Another type of anxiety is triggered by particular circumstances, such as having to perform a task that feels challenging or for which the person feels inadequate<\/strong>. Many school tasks fall in this category, and teachers are well acquainted with students\u2019 anxiety associated with test-taking or with subjects that students regard as particularly challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although language learning anxiety is part of the anxiety that students may experience, it also presents some specific defining traits. Language learning targets the area of self-expression. The ability to express oneself is threatened in language learning because the individual lacks the tools to communicate adequately.<\/strong> Therefore, the risk of being misunderstood, misrepresenting oneself, or being exposed to ridicule by peers feels very real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Language learners experience many of the anxious reactions typical of stressful situations. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n