Factors and Effects of Foreign Language Anxiety in EFL Classrooms: Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University as a Case Study

Abstract

As we live in a globalized world, the demand for using English as a medium of communication between people around the globe has increased. Since English has become vital for accessing many domains, many students decide to enroll in English classes. However, a considerable number of foreign language learners may experience or face feelings of anxiety during the process of foreign language acquisition. This study aims to investigate the factors that contribute to foreign language anxiety and its effects on students studying at the University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fes, Morocco. To deliver research objectives, this study employed a questionnaire as the main instrument. The researchers addressed and distributed the questionnaire online to students to acquire authentic views about the experience of students with anxiety in EFL classrooms. 240 students participated in this study. The results derived from this study revealed that there are cultural, academic and interpersonal factors that contribute to this form of anxiety. Furthermore, this research concluded that EFL anxiety leads to numerous cognitive, social, academic and personal effects that can negatively affect the learning process and hinder the creation of an enjoyable environment within the classroom.