The Ups and Downs of Learning and Using English: Aviation Students’ Voices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.23211

Keywords:

Aviation Students, English language learning, Successes, Challenges

Abstract

Proficiency in English has become the standard language in the international aviation industry. To avoid accidents, all aviation personnel needs to communicate in English. The communication skills of aviation personnel should be developed during their studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate aviation students' successes and challenges in learning and using English. Six aircraft maintenance students from three different aviation schools in Malaysia participated in the study. Using a qualitative research design, the study collected information from open-ended interviews and document analysis gathered from online postings. The data were analyzed thematically and managed using ATLAS. ti software. Overall, the results showed that students experienced more successes than challenges in learning English. There were three themes categorized under successes and challenges: opportunities, feelings, and progress. The results could help course module developers and language teachers create modules that meet the needs of aviation students.

Author Biographies

Aina Suriani Mahmood, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia(USIM)/ Universiti Kuala Lumpur

Aina Suriani is a Ph.D. student at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Malaysia. She is also an English lecturer at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL, MIAT), and currently, she is on study leave for pursuing her Ph.D. Her research interests include teaching methods, teaching and learning, pedagogy and education, and English for Specific Purposes.

 

 

Noor Saazai Mat Saad, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, (USIM), Malaysia

Associate Prof. Dr. Noor Saazai Mat Saad is an English lecturer at the Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Her teaching experience of 25 years covers both secondary school and tertiary level. Currently, she teaches the English language for Academic Purposes, Technology and Innovation in Education, Research Methods, and Data Analysis (Qualitative). She has published books and papers on language, learning styles, strategies, and international students’ learning experiences. Her research interests include innovation in teaching and learning, inclusive education, and teacher education.

 

Nurhayati Mohd Nur, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL, MIAT), Malaysia

Dr. Nurhayati Mohd Nur is a Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Department and currently served as a Head of Research and Innovation at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL-MIAT). Her main research interests include ergonomics design, human factors, manufacturing processes, maintenance activities, quality management systems, and technical education.

 

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Published

20-01-2023

How to Cite

Mahmood, A. S., Saad, N. S. M., & Nur, N. M. (2023). The Ups and Downs of Learning and Using English: Aviation Students’ Voices . International Journal of Language Instruction, 2(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.23211

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Research Article

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