Out-of-Classroom Second Language Learning of the University Students: A Study Based on the Scond Year Undergraduates of the Facuky of Applied Sciences of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Lifelong language knowledge and skills should be assured to the learners of a second language in the process of language learning and this cannot be done only inside a classroom which carries limitations in it. This research investigated the OCSLL of the second-year students of the faculty of Applied Sciences of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka through a random sample of 14 undergraduates. The data was collected by administering a questionnaire. The study explored the frequency of engagement in a selected list of OCSLL activities to investigate the exposure of undergraduates to the English language. The selected activities were reading English books, reading novels, reading newspapers visiting websites for a special reason, visiting websites for any other purpose, listening to English songs, listening to English radio programs, watching English films, English news, watching YouTube videos, speaking and writing in English out of the classroom. These activities were categorized and analyzed under the four language skills they represented It was revealed that the students preferred to visit websites, watch English films and watch English YouTube videos more frequently than other activities. However, reading novels, boob and newspapers, listening to English radio programs and watching news were activities of low-engagement. The study provides recommendation on how the second language learners should get the maximum benefit out of OCSLL to enhance their language skills