Adult ESL Education and Learning Anxiety: An Exploratory Case Study Involving Malaysian Security Personnel

The Blueprint on Enculturation of Lifelong Learning for Malaysia recognises learning after the school and higher education systems as third pillar in human capital development, encourages continuity upskilling (which includes improvement English competency) individual empowerment mobility. Despite this, there is a lack research area, with most studies centralising Malaysian ESL practices involving only or tertiary learners. Studies professional meanwhile, tend to favour teachers, resulting empirical findings relevant other professions. present case study involved 111 learners enrolled six-month language programme organised by public university during COVID-19 pandemic. participants were full-time security personnel said comprised both males females. participants’ proficiency anxiety levels measured pre- post-intervention using Cambridge Assessment: General Test Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) respectively. FLCAS data garnered subjected non-reversed reversed scoring lend better transparency greater depth. Results indicate minimal change terms post-intervention, whereas increased anxiety. Recommendations future are outlined.