Out-Of-School English Language Learning and Academic Achievement in Kazakhstani High Schools

This dissertation examines the usage of out-of-school English language learning and its perceived impact on academic achievement among high school students in Kazakhstan. Drawing on a review of existing literature and employing a mixed research design, the study aims to uncover participants' perceptions, motivations and attitudes toward learning the English language out of school. I explore out-of-school English language learning using online surveys and semi-structured interviews. I surveyed 64 public high school students in Almaty. I conducted 9 semi-structured interviews among the survey participants. The findings of the study indicate that out-of-school English language learning show patterns of use suggesting that private tutoring satisfies considerable unmet need in learning English among high school students in public schools. The findings reveal that increased confidence, the significance of high-stakes examinations, enhanced language proficiency, future career aspirations, teachers' limited availability, and an engaging learning environment are the primary factors that drive students to pursue out-of-school English language learning. According to participants who use out of school English language learning is an important academic support in ensuring their high achievement at school and improving outcomes beyond secondary schooling. Nevertheless, when compared to earlier studies, the popularity of out-of-school learning has declined, resulting in a decrease in the number of students utilizing it. This decline can be attributed to various factors such as financial burdens and its failure to meet anticipated effectiveness. A significant portion of participants have discontinued out-of-school learning due to their unsatisfactory experiences. The study's findings unveiled both the positive and negative aspects of out-of-school learning, highlighting the waning popularity of this approach among students who do not engage in it