Understanding Indonesian Language Learners from their Cultures of Learning

This study aims to identify the cultures of learning of English students in two universities in Indonesia who came from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. This research is a case study involving 127 students majoring in English. Data was collected through questionnaires consisting of questions about the meaning of learning and learning English, good teachers, good students, the relationship between students and teachers, about asking questions in class, and the use of textbooks. The results of this study show that Indonesian students prefer to study in a relaxed situations when practicing languages, such as by listening to songs, talking to others, reading literary works, and writing diaries or short stories. They prefer to learn languages using teaching media and through class discussions, although some students choose to learn using old practices, such as using textbooks to learn grammar, and learning pronunciation from teachers. In addition, they categorize their relationship with the teachers as educator-learner types of relationship and are particularly concerned with losing face. The learning culture of Indonesian students provides an idea of how these students’ learning is actually not connected to their social culture but rather to their exposure to English learning in Indonesia