Term

Summer 2024

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MA-TESOL

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Julia Reimer

Abstract

Henchcliffe, C. (2024). Exploring the Second Language Learning Experience and its Influence on Willingness to Communicate and Language Use: A Case Study

The research question guiding this capstone thesis is: How does the L2 learning experience in the classroom affect willingness to communicate and L2 use in adult beginner ESL students? The literature review focuses on topics such as willingness to communicate, L2 motivation, and the classroom learning experience. I also explore ways that willingness to communicate and motivation are measured. To help answer the research question, an eight-week mixed methods case study was conducted with one participant enrolled in a community-based adult beginner ESL class. Qualitative data was collected from structured, post-class interviews with the participant. Quantitative data was derived from weekly classroom observations designed to measure the participant’s engagement throughout each weekly class session. The data analysis suggests that the participant’s willingness to communicate was generally consistent over the course of the study but did vary under certain circumstances. This included such factors as who the participant was partnered with during specific classroom activities or who the lead teacher was during a given class session. The data also showed that, for this case study participant, a high willingness to communicate and high classroom participation did not directly translate to L2 use outside the classroom. The limitations of this study and suggestions for possible future study, such as examining other interrelated motivational factors in second language learning, are also discussed.

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

Download

Included in

Education Commons

Share

COinS