Iranian EFL Teachers’ Perceptions regarding Language Learners’ Procrastination

Document Type : research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in ELT, Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of ELT, Corresponding Author, Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

3 Associate Professor of ELT, Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Delaying in doing responsibilities and tasks assigned in language classes is a phenomenon that most of teachers have observed. Language learners’ tendency to put off doing things can take place in different situations and for various reasons. The present study investigated the reasons for such deferments, called procrastination, through interviewing EFL teachers. During a semi-structured interview process, 23 teachers expressed their opinions regarding the causes of language learners’ procrastination. The analysis of the data based on grounded theory methodology and their coding in three phases of open, selective, and theoretical coding led to the emergence of Dilatory Behavior as the core category which covered the situations in which language learners mostly procrastinate such as studying for examination, delivery of assignments, and acquisition of correct spelling. Further data collection and analysis revealed that language learners’ procrastination could be attributed to internal factors such as affective and cognitive characteristics, competence-based issues, and mental and physical conditions as well as external factors such as task quality and context features. The results of this study can be useful for EFL teachers and curriculum developers in raising their awareness regarding the potential causes of language learners’ procrastination and supplying them with the necessary information needed for devising appropriate strategies to reduce language learners’ undue procrastination.

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References

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Journal of Foreign Language Research
Volume 12, Issue 1
April 2022
Pages 15-30

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