Students´perceptions on the factors that influence their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL classroom in ecuadorian high schools

Abstract

Abstract: The present study aims to investigate students perceptions on the factors that influence their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL classroom in Ecuadorian high schools. With this goal, considering Guayaquil students as population, a sample of one hundred English students from five classrooms in two different high schools were chosen. A survey was applied to students who were asked to complete a seven items questionnaire that explored motivation in class, proficiency level, personality and teaching speaking strategies. Direct observation and note taking were carried on in order to see students' interaction in the classroom as well as their reaction upon teachers strategies. While gathering data and analyzing it qualitatively and quantitatively, it was observed that the results from students'questionnaires and some of the results in direct observation in the class periods differed. In the end, it was found that even though factors such as motivation, type of personality and level of proficiency influence the willingness to orally communicate, strategies used by the teacher to create opportunities to do language in an engaging environment was the one that provoke the most interaction.