By AC Putong
Two faculty members of Silliman University (SU) English Department conducted a study to shed light on the challenges brought by language learning anxiety among international students.
English and Literature Department Chairperson Dr. Joan Generoso and Asst. Prof. Ronelaine Picardal presented their research at the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators 5th International Conference and 2025 Annual National Convention last Sept. 26 to 28 at Cagayan de Oro City.
Their study, “Exploring Foreign Language Anxiety in Silliman University’s English Orientation Program (EOP),” proposed practical support mechanisms to address the academic and emotional challenges faced by foreign students.
The EOP is a semestral online program organized by the SU English and Literature Department to help students with non-English speaking backgrounds.
It also looked into how anxiety manifests in communication, tests, and fear of negative evaluation, and foreign students’ perceptions of how anxiety affects their learning experience in the Philippine classroom context.
The results of the study revealed that the foreign students’ anxiety level overall mean is low, but they were found to be anxious when asked to participate during classroom interactions and discussions.
Among the practical mechanisms suggested by the study are low-stress and supportive classrooms, peer mentoring and social support systems, teacher empathy and constructive feedback, and preparation programs for tests, presentations, and academic tasks.
Generoso explained that the concepts were presented as potential interventions that educational institutions could adopt to help reduce the anxiety of international learners.
“Since these learners come from non-English-speaking backgrounds, they often experience anxiety when speaking, taking tests, or being compared to more proficient peers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Picardal shared that experiencing anxiety is “unavoidable,” particularly for learners studying a foreign language in a different environment.
The conference, themed “From Vision to Reality: Strengthening Pathways to Quality Education and the Other Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” aims to share insights on how education can drive sustainable development.
The event convened school leaders, teachers, researchers, and other professionals for discussions, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, advancing quality education and the SDGs.
Picardal and Generoso’s study connects to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
