A model and implementation on learners` perceptions of foreign language: An English course at İstanbul Atatürk Science High School

ABSTRACT This research analyses the perceptions (beliefs) of the learners about the English language and the English language course. In addition, it examines the effects of the learning conditions throughout the process of language learning. The aim of this study is to present a model in order to achieve an effective language learning, which provides the kinds of processes and effects it stands on and the needs of the learners in accordance with their beliefs. It also includes teachers' perceptions and the evaluation of their observations. This research especially looks for the answers to the questions below: 1) What factors affect the process of English language learning? 2) What are the effects of the learning process according to learners? 3) What suggestions can be made for language learning and teaching processes in order to achieve desired results. 274 learners and 5 teachers of English have contributed to this research from Istanbul Atatürk Science High School (İAFL) and also beliefs of learners and teachers from 6 different Science High Schools outside Istanbul like Adana, Aydın, Düzce, Diyarbakır, Konya and Kütahya have been included. In this study, the data have been collected via 4 kinds and totally 6 sources of research: 3 questionnaires have been implemented both on learners and teachers and an interview with the students of Science Olympics and TÜBİTAK besides 9th year students' diaries from IAFL and also letters reflecting learners' and teachers' beliefs from different Science High Schools in other cities.. According to the conclusions drawn from the data as the result of the research, it is found out 1) that many of the factors that emerged in the field are similar to the ones forseen and 2) that the beliefs and needs of the learners including their attitudes and conditions should necessarily be dealt with in order to achieve the desired learning outcome in the process of an effective foreign language learning. In line with the analysed output, physical, personal, personality, psychological factors and significantly the degree of motivation and the language learning aims of the learners have come out as the most effective in the process of language learning as well as the factor of teacher on its own. Ill