Elementary School Teachers' Beliefs of English Teaching and Learning for Young Learners

Abstract

This study was aimed to analyze the elementary school teachers' beliefs of English teaching and learning for young learners. The research participants were 10 elementary school English teachers in Salatiga and Getasan. The data were collected using a semi-structure interview which allows the participants to share their thought and experiences in English teaching and learning for young learners. The results of this study revealed that the teachers realized the need of mastering English in today's globalized era. They believed that English should be learned as early as childhood years. Thus, most teachers showed positive attitudes toward the importance of English learning in elementary school. The teachers believed that English teaching and learning should be fun. The teachers considered about young learners' psychological aspect, teaching approaches for young learners, and the use of audio visual aids and authentic materials. The teachers believed that English learning in elementary school is a necessary action to introduce the basic knowledge of English [such as vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and daily conversation] which accommodates young learners' needs of English learning in junior high school.