Aptitude, Attitude, and Sensitivity

  Success or failure in foreign language study is often attributed to the learner's aptitude for foreign language learning. As generally defined and measured, however, aptitude is not a valid predictor of achievement. Motivation, which influences aptitude, has also been examined. Factors affecting motivation include the learner's attitude toward the language to be learned and the people who speak it. Responsibility for achievement, or the lack of it, in second language learning has been placed on the learner. This one‐sided approach is, however, being corrected, as recent studies report the influence of teacher attitude on pupil achievement. How the teacher and learner perceive and react to each other must be recognized as a major determinant for successful second language study. In the classrooms of our pluralistic society, cultural differences may be as varied as those being presented with the foreign language. Preparation of future language teachers should include a program which will sensitize them to teacher‐learner human relations.