O‘zbekiston respublikasi oliy va о‘rta maxsus ta’lim vazirligi chirchiq davlat pedagogika universiteti

1.3 Shyness and fear of making mistakes

Shyness and fear of making mistakes are common issues that young learners may face when studying a foreign language. Here is some additional information on this issue:

Social anxiety: Young learners may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about speaking in front of others, especially if they are still developing their language skills. They may worry about making mistakes or being judged by their peers or teacher.
Perfectionism: Some young learners may have high expectations for themselves and feel discouraged or frustrated when they make mistakes. They may be reluctant to speak or participate in class for fear of not meeting their own standards.
Cultural differences: Cultural differences can also impact how young learners approach language learning. In some cultures, making mistakes or losing face in front of others is seen as a sign of weakness or incompetence, which can make learners even more hesitant to speak or take risks.
To address these issues, there are several strategies that language teachers can use, including:
Creating a supportive environment: Teachers can create a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. They can encourage learners to help each other and provide positive feedback and reinforcement.
Reducing pressure: Teachers can reduce the pressure on learners by providing opportunities for practice in a low-stakes environment. For example, they can use pair work or small group activities where learners can practice with peers who are at a similar level.
Emphasizing the process: Teachers can shift the focus away from perfectionism and instead emphasize the process of language learning. They can encourage learners to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and encourage them to set realistic goals for themselves.
Using positive reinforcement: Teachers can use positive reinforcement to build learners' confidence and motivation. They can praise learners for their effort and progress, rather than just their performance.
Overall, by understanding the potential issues related to shyness and fear of making mistakes when learning a foreign language, teachers can employ effective strategies to create a positive and supportive learning environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes.