The Main Reasons for Failure in Language Learning among Iranian High School Students

Abstract

Mastery of English is a priority for many learners of English in Iran. Opportunities to improve English in high schools in Iran are very limited, hence many students enroll in courses in private institutes. The purpose of this paper is to study the strategies to improve English in high schools in Iran. Ten teachers and thirty students completed the questionnaires on the strategies to improve English in high schools. We have determined some weaknesses in learning English in Iran and offered some strategies. The teachers and students both agreed on these strategies, and we ranked them as speaking English in classes and learner-centered classes are the best solution for improving learning English. The teachers believe that the efficiency of the content and materials is more important than allocating more hours and sessions, however, the students think that it is vice versa.  Results suggest that the teachers and students agree on speaking English in classes, learner-centered classes, the efficiency of the content and materials, and allocating more hours and sessions. These strategies are considered as the best solutions in order to improve English in high schools.