LANGUAGE ANXIETY OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS :A Study of Language Anxiety in SMU 15 Bandung

This study was conducted to examine the language anxiety among senior high school students in SMU 15 Bandung. This issue had been chosen because to ensure the success of English education in senior high schools, foreign language anxiety became a significant issue which could not be ignored. The sources of students' language anxiety, anxiety-provoking situation among senior high school students, and anxiety coping strategies applied by the senior high school students would also be discussed. The study employed qualitative research and involved seventy three students from two classes - one social and one science class who were investigated to find out the levels of anxiety, the sources and anxiety-provoking situations, and the strategies they employed in coping with anxiety. It also involved classroom observations, questionnaires, and interviews. Findings showed that the level of anxiety in both classes was mild. The sources of this anxiety were students' low proficiency and self-confidence, negative experience toward English, low self-esteem, competitiveness and classroom activities. The study also indicated three anxiety-provoking situations: oral presentation, fear of being called on to respond orally, and tests. The strategies in coping with language anxiety were preparation, relaxation, positive thinking, peer seeking, and resignation. Most science students tended to apply the preparation strategy; meanwhile most social students tended to apply resignation strategy