Students’ perceptions on the factors that affect their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL classroom in Ecuadorian high schools

Abstract

The topic of this research is about the “Students’ perceptions on the factors that affect their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL classroom in Ecuadorian high schools”, and its purpose was to know students’ perceptions on the factors that affect their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL. This research was done in five classrooms in a high school in the city of Buena Fe, Los Rios, Ecuador. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research, instruments such as class observation sheets and questionnaires were applied to students in five observed English classes. The sample selected was students from 9th and 10th years and from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years of senior high school. The data obtained from class observations and the questionnaire applied to students was used to tabulate, analyze, and interpret the results through a quantitative and qualitative analysis. Through this study, it was observed that students voluntarily participated and enjoyed working in pairs or groups; the type of activity, personality, the topic, grades, and proficiency level influenced and motivated them to take part in speaking activities.