Indonesian EFL Journal: Journal of ELT, Linguistics, and Literature
Vol 11 No 1 (2025): (July) Indonesian EFL Journal: Journal of ELT, Linguistics, and Literature

Mindfulness-Based Activities in English Teaching to Reduce Anxiety in Islamic Schools

Imraatus Shalihah (Universitas al-Falah As-Sunniyah Jember, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study explores the integration of mindfulness-based activities in English language teaching (ELT) at an Islamic senior high school in Indonesia. It aims to investigate how such activities influence students’ language anxiety, classroom participation, and overall engagement. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through classroom observations, teacher and student interviews, and reflective journals. The findings reveal that mindfulness practices—including guided breathing, reflective journaling, and mindful listening—significantly reduced students’ foreign language anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and fostered greater willingness to communicate. Observations also indicated increased voluntary participation and more supportive peer interactions, particularly through mindful listening, which promoted empathy and reduced fear of judgment. Moreover, the cultural and spiritual alignment of mindfulness with Islamic values such as muhasabah (self-reflection), sabr (patience), and ikhlas (sincerity) enhanced students’ receptivity and deepened engagement. These results suggest that mindfulness not only supports linguistic development but also nurtures resilience, peer empathy, and holistic well-being when contextualized in Islamic educational settings. The study contributes to the growing body of research on affective factors in ELT and provides practical implications for integrating mindfulness into culturally relevant pedagogy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

efl

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

The journal welcomes contributions in such areas of current analysis as F Language Teaching and Learning, Language in Education, Language Planning, Language Testing, Curriculum Design and Development, Multilingualism and Multilingual Education, Discourse Analysis, Systemic and Functional Grammar, ...