Socio-cultural Factors Influencing Out-of-class English Learning: A Case Study of First-year University Students in China

Abstract

Out-of-class English learning is important for second language development. Previous studies have explored the types of out-of-class activities learners were engaged in, but the factors influencing learners to do those activities remain scarce, especially in the Chinese context. This study aimed to investigate the socio-cultural factors influencing Chinese students’ out-of-class English learning. Case study research was used to collect the qualitative data from the interview of twenty Chinese first-year undergraduate students, and observation was used to supplement the data. The data were analyzed vertically (within-case) and horizontally (cross-case). The findings revealed that the socio-cultural factors influencing out-of-class learning were as follows: peers, benefits, environment and activities.

Keywords: out-of-class English learning; socio-cultural factors

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-32-02

Publication date: November 30^th 2020