Mindfulness as a Coping Strategy for EFL Learning in Education

Abstract

Mindfulness is a relaxation technique that has been associated with positive effects when used as a coping strategy for stress and anxiety. In this regard, the objectives of this article are to investigate how mindfulness could help improve adolescents' ability to regulate their attention, emotion, behaviour and thinking; learn English as a Foreign Language (EFL); and increase EFL performance. A literature review of the previous research including 11 academic works published in scientific journals (2016-) using quantifiable data collection methods, statistical analysis software and having a control group as part of the investigation is important to be explored to find an answer to the following questions: Can mindfulness improve an adolescent's ability to regulate attention, emotion, behaviour and thinking? How can mindfulness improve Obligatory Secondary Education (OSE) students' ability to learn and acquire EFL? Can mindfulness increase working memory capacity and as a result increase students EFL performance? The findings from this literature review strongly suggest that mindfulness could be a highly effective strategy for improving the ability of OSE students in Spain to learn EFL, as a result of the reduced stress and anxiety levels experienced by adolescents when mindfulness is incorporated as part of a consistent daily routine.