Improving English as a foreign language proficiency in elementary schools: Exploring students’ and parents’ perceptions

Abstract

Studying English at elementary school plays a big role in the educational process. That is why it is necessary topay due attention to this subject. Based on the goals set for the collection of information it was decided toconduct an empirical study, which was to survey schoolchildren and their parents’ (legal representatives)perceptions towards studying English as a foreign language (EFL). Surveys were conducted among 150primary students and 90 parents in Moscow, Russia and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. The first surveywas conducted to determine the students’ attitude towards a foreign language. According to the results ofboth surveys, one of the main problems is lack of motivation from the part of schoolchildren, and incompleteawareness of the importance of the foreign language. In addition, one more problem may be the studyoverload and unengaging content delivery. Several suggestions were proposed: increasing interest in foreignlanguages, dosing the load, using of extracurricular activities to improve academic performance and using ofadditional materials.