Exploring out-of-class contexts in EFL learning: Romanian high school students' perspectives and practices

This study explores the role of out-of-class contexts (OOCCs) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning among Romanian high school students, emphasizing how informal environments complement formal instruction. Data from 125 students across four public schools reveals active engagement with English through media consumption, gaming, and social media, enhancing vocabulary, listening comprehension, and speaking confidence. Informal settings provide low-anxiety opportunities for meaningful communication and experimentation. Motivation plays a pivotal role, with students linking English proficiency to future opportunities. Personal learning ecologies, such as online reading and conversations with others, foster development within supportive spaces. The study advocates integrating OOCCs into formal instruction to bridge theoretical and practical knowledge, creating a holistic learning environment aligned with learners’ interests and real-world needs.