Vilka faktorer påverkar mellanstadieelever vid val av moderna språk?

This first part of this study examines four sixth grade classes in two municipalities in Sweden. The purpose of the study was to find out which factors influence students in the choice of a foreign language at two schools. A survey was developed and questionnaires were handed out to four classes, with a total of eighty students. Responses were collected and analyzed. The method we used was qualitative. The second part of this study involved the completion of interviews with ten pupils, four teachers and two principals. The purpose of these interviews was to obtain more awareness of the factors which influence students’ decision making about foreign language studies. Furthermore, the process of how students were informed by the schools regarding the choice of foreign languages was examined. It became evident that during the fifth grade, students make a choice between French, Spanish, German and Swedish/English. Foreign language teaching and learning begins in the sixth grade. The results show that students are motivated by several factors in their choice of a foreign language. A main inspirations factor is the desire to incorporate and use the language of their choice in real life, for example through traveling. In addition to this factor, students also mentioned the use of the language in studies, as well as in a future career as influential in their choice. Finally, communication with native speakers of the target language showed to be of importance for students, when choosing which language to study during the sixth grade of elementary school. Students' opinions on language learning include not only the immediate classroom environment, but also show ambition and positive thinking though the desire to bring the outside world into their education