Primary Students and English Learning: Issues, Obstacles, and Innovative Solutions

Abstract

This study examines the challenges faced by primary school students in learning English in Malaysian non-native contexts, with particular emphasis on the role of technology integration. It aimed to identify key learning challenges, examine the influence of technology integration on student engagement, and propose relevant instructional strategies. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was employed, involving the use of a structured questionnaire to collect data from 252 primary school English teachers in the Kinta District, Perak. The findings indicate that students experience significant difficulties due to limited exposure to English, low motivation, and ineffective pedagogical approaches. While teachers generally perceive technology as beneficial in enhancing student engagement, disparities in access and digital readiness remain evident, particularly in rural schools. A moderate positive correlation was found between teachers’ technological confidence and their perception of student engagement. Based on these findings and supported by existing literature, the study proposes innovative strategies, including gamification and AI-assisted learning tools, to enhance English language acquisition. It contributes to the field of English language teaching by offering context-specific insights and practical recommendations for improving instructional practices in Malaysian primary education.