Conducive Learning Environment and Learners’ Successful Self-Image: a Qualitative Research in an Academic Writing Class

The 6th International Seminar 2012 “Research in Teacher Education : What, How, and Why?” Salatiga, November 21-22, 2012Students as learners of English undoubtedly face various problems in their learning paths. Teachers will surely try to help them as much as they can. One way is by creating a conducive learning environment and boosting their confidence and enhancing positive self-image. The aim of this study is to find out how learning environment contributes to students‟ self-image and confidence. Learning environment in this context consists of the teacher, classmates, and the surrounding classroom conditions and situations. The participants of this study were 23 Academic Writing students, Semester I/ 2011-2012. Data were mainly collected through journals, in-class observation, and on-line interviews. This interview was conducted after the data were collected, the purpose was to get clarification of the participants‟ opinions. From the study, I found that students had different criteria for what was called “conducive” and the factors that contributed to that kind of situation varied according to the students‟ perspectives. The findings further showed that for responsive students, in a classroom with conducive learning atmosphere -with supportive teacher and peers- students were likely to have better self-image and greater confidence. In turn, they could learn more comfortably and positively. There were some students, however, who did not care about the environment – teacher and peers. They tended to be passive learners with no interest, enthusiasm, as well as confidence in learning. The classroom environment, thus, did not affect their confidence or self-image as language learners