Comparing English Learning of University Students in Japan and Myanmar

Abstract

The reason why I did this research was firstly to compare English learning of university students in Japan and Myanmar, secondly to find out strengths and weaknesses in the context of English learning, and lastly to suggest solutions to make improvements. The main research question is “How is the English learning of university students in Japan and Myanmar similar or different?” There are mainly three parts in this thesis: students’ attitudes towards English learning, teachers’ attitudes towards their students’ English learning, and students’ actual writing abilities. I used a combination of quantitative methods and qualitative methods with questionnaires and essays. The first key result is that Myanmar university students say they have more knowledge of English language learning than Japanese students. The second key result is that while many Myanmar teachers are satisfied with the current English education system of Myanmar, most Japanese teachers are dissatisfied with the current English education system of Japan. The third key result is that although most Myanmar teachers would like to make changes in teaching methods, most Japanese teachers would like the system to change. The final key result is that Myanmar students are better English writers than Japanese students.