Authentic Learning Environment through Pen Pal for Writing Anxiety

For English language learners, writing anxiety can be a significant hurdle that inhibits them from communicating effectively through written language. One potential solution for writing anxiety is establishing an authentic learning environment through online pen pal activity. This mixed method study aimed to investigate how an authentic learning environment through online pen pals by using slowly application contributed positively as the solution for EFL students’ writing anxiety. Ninety non-English major students were given a three-week learning assignment encompassing engagement with online pen pals who speak English. Their anxiety condition was observed by using quantitative descriptive analysis, and their written reflective responses were analyzed by using thematic analysis to identify how authentic learning through pen pal contributes positively to overcoming students’ writing anxiety. The finding clarifies that online pen pal activity through slowly-app successfully decreased students’ writing anxiety. Online pen pals via Slowly App enable students to establish friendships and build effective conversations with English speakers in joyful learning nuance. As a result, those experiences provide the students with more assurance, validate their English proficiency, and reduce their writing apprehension. This study implies that fostering a pleasurable atmosphere and a real-world learning environment might help students cope with their writing anxiety.