Humanistic Approaches and Positive Reinforcement in EFL Learning in Kampung Inggris Pare: Implementing Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis

Abstract

Abstract

For 48 years, Kampung Inggris Pare has become one of the major centers of EFL learning in which English teachers in Indonesia can implement numerous methods in supporting the EFL learners. As an English tutor who has been teaching EFL learners of different ages, the researcher highlights to the psychological approaches to develop and maintain the students’ intrinsic motivation which is believed as the major factor in their foreign language acquisition process. This research aims to discuss the role of psychological aspects in language learning, how they are important for increasing language skills and confidence of students, and how to implement them based on Krashen’s (1982) affective filter hypotesis. The participants in this study were tutors from English Domestic, Alfalfa, Dominic English and Garlint English Course. Qualitative method is used in this study, with data collected through in-depth interviews and audio recordings. The results of this study highlight that emphasis on psychological factors concerning the EFL learning by incorporating psychology principles through a humanistic approach and positive reinforcement would be required for teaching practice to achieve more effective and personalized education possible. Research also highlights to the importance of looking beyond pragmatic forms of learning to more social and emotional forms to address the supports learners’ need to acquire language through personalized feedback. Kampung Inggris Pare was chosen for this study to give a contribution to the existing literature that investigates EFL teaching practices; thus, offer new perspectives to improve the learning experience of EFL learners in non English-speaking countries.

Key words: EFL Learning, Intrinsic Motivation, Affective Filter Hypothesis, Humanistic Approach, Positive Reinforcement