Attitudes of Sharia College Students Toward Learning English

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate  the students' attitudes towards learning the English language, the factors contribute in affecting their attitudes, in addition to suggesting recommendations for improving language learning programs based on students' attitudes and preferences. A quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized to answer the research questions; by distributing questionnaires and  conducting focus group discussions with 82 university students who were randomly selected from different majors from sharia college in Tripoli university. The results showed that many  university students  showed positive attitudes towards learning English. However, there are many obstacles that ban them from using the language; having no one to practice English with, being shy to speak in front of others, English is only given as a compulsory subject and not integrated in the social life situations. English is given as a general subject and only for one year for non-specialized students, some students  find the English language accent is difficult for them. The students proposed that English should be integrated three times a week at least and for four years in addition to focusing on vocabulary and speaking for gaining an effective and beneficial results.