English learning resilience of Korean students: Using explanatory sequential mixed methods

Objectives This study aims to investigate the characteristics of English learning resilience among Korean learners by using explanatory sequential mixed methods. Methods To this end, in the first stage, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire of four constructs (social support, satisfaction, persistence, and emotional regulation) measuring English learning resilience was administered to 180 students at a university in Seoul. In the second stage, reflective essays about their English learning at each school level were collected from 52 students at a university in Seoul. The average and standard deviation for each question were calculated from the questionnaire, and episodes related to each construct were analyzed through repeated reading. Results The analysis on the questionnaire showed the scores for ‘satisfaction’ and ‘persistence’ were high among the four constructs. Qualitative analysis revealed that teachers' support and emotional control were found across the school levels. However, emotional recovery strategies and strategic flexibility appeared with higher frequency as the school level advances. Conclusions This suggests that interventions to promote English learning resilience reflecting the characteristics of the school level are needed to help learners overcome the challenges in learning English.