Experiences of Second Language Learners of Learning Strategies into Practice: A Phenomenological Study

Education has been one of the essential ingredients that a modern society yearns for higher status and standard living. Second Language Learners do have to learn theconcepts theoretically; however, when the learned concepts are put to practice,students go through a great deal of stress and anxiety. Perpetually, they need to bestrong emotionally, physically, and mentally in order to meet the goals of thetargeted language (Cairney, 2007; Loxton, Mooney & Young, 2006; Samuel-Dennis, 2006).Often, students do not show interest in instructions as they feelculturally isolated. Self-determination theory explains that both intrinsic andextrinsic motivations are essential to progress forward (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Thisqualitative study (phenomenological study) examined the challenges and the issuesof ESL students in the Philippines. Research respondents were 15 ESL studentsfrom different higher educational institutions in Region IV A, CALABARZON,Philippines. The data were collected through observations and in depth interviewsand literature for triangulation; and were analyzed through two cycles of codingwhere themes and categories were developed. The findings showed that there arechallenges and issues that ESL students face when transferring theory to practice.The study ended with recommendations to bridge the gap of the challenges andexperiences of ESL students in learning