Combating Negative Thinking Among EFL College Students

Results of surveys with a sample of EFL college students and instructors showed that many Saudi students have a negative image of themselves as foreign language learners and translation students. They think courses are difficult and are always afraid of failing. If they fail an exam or a course, they blame it on the instructor, on their bad luck, or on the exams that do not match their proficiency level. Some are not willing to try. They hate college and studying. If they have a test, an oral presentation, or a writing assignment, they are under stress. They cram and lose sleep. They are always worried about the kind of ideas their instructor has about them. They feel helpless and view themselves as a victim. Based on findings of the surveys, this study proposes a model for helping students overcome negative thinking, develop positive thinking, positive attitudes, positive affirmations, emotional resilience, for becoming happy and relaxed learners, for overcoming stress and anxiety, and making more improvements and accomplishments. The model consists of strategies for identifying negative thoughts and their causes, creating flexible and supportive learning environments, developing students’ pragmatic skills, providing psychological help, applying coping mechanisms, offering adaptation programs, workshops for positive thinking training, and who can provide support. Examples of students’ negative thinking, strategies and guidelines for overcoming it are given in detail.