La influència de l’afectivitat en una aula d’anglès de Primària: estudi de cas

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to study the influence of the affective variables in foreign language learning. Since humanism studies, teachers and professors have taken into account the affective dimension in the education field and for that very reason the cognitive aspect has lost ground gradually. Hence affectivity has become one of the most significant current discussions in language learning. However, it seems that not all the teachers bear this variable in mind, as there are several cases of students suffering from depression and anxiety. Moreover, Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences shows different abilities and emphasizes on both the comprehension of other people feelings and our emotions. In order to prove it, this study reflects the most important theories in this area for investigating whether these factors are considered in class. The participants of this research are teachers and students of English as a foreign language. Specifically, they are part of an upper course from Primary School. After considering that interviews and observations were the most reliable source of information, it was believed that quantitative measures such as statistical surveys would usefully supplement and extend the qualitative analysis. At last, this paper concludes that affectivity has an important impact on foreign languages learning. Professionals even affirm that it does not only facilitate the learning process but also improves the academic results of students.