THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LEARNING ATTITUDES AND ENGLISH ACHIEVEMENT OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS IN PALEMBANG

Abstract

Language learning attitudes (LLA) becomes one of the most crucial issues in educational field. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between students’ LLA and their English achievement (EA). To achieve the aim, the attitude questionnaire and the students’ grade point average (GPA) of English subjects were administered to a group of 103 students of English Education Study Programs in Palembang. To analyze the data, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used and the results showed significant correlations between students’ (1) LLA(total) and their EA, and (2) positive attitude and their EA. Furthermore, regression analysis in the first and third university showed that students’ LLA(total) influences their EA for 8.9%. Meanwhile, in the second university, students’ positive attitude could influence their EA for 16.3%. Finally, the interpretation and implications of the results are also discussed.

Keywords: language learning attitude, English achievement, undergraduate students