AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING AMONG 2nd SECONDARY STUDENTS IN SECOND AMMAN DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION
Mahda Said Muhaisen, Prof. Dr. Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the language anxiety experienced by 2nd secondary students in second Amman Directorate of Education, and to find out which aspect of language learning (listening, speaking, reading, writing or Grammar) causes the greatest amount of anxiety for student, and to examine the relationship between language anxiety and students performance, from English language teachers' point of view and in addition to learners’ point of view. To achieve the above mentioned objectives, the researcher developed a questionnaire. The study concludes that, the degree of language anxiety experienced by second secondary students in learning listening skills, speaking, reading and grammar is moderate, while the degree of language students' anxiety while learning writing is high. There are statistical significant differences between male and female student in their anxiety in learning English while learning reading and writing favors female students. There are no statistical significant differences between male and female students in their anxiety in learning English in learning listening, speaking, grammar, and in learning all English language skills. However, there are significant differences between male and female students ascribed to the students' achievement level. In the light of the results of the study, the researcher recommends that teachers should be trained to be warmer and more supportive of their students and to exhibit positive attitudes towards them. Different assessment methods should be considered in order to reduce test anxiety and the students should be encouraged to express their feelings openly. Learning material should be meaningful, lively, and of personal interest to the learner. Less threatening learning environment could be helpful in lowering student's anxiety and worries.

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