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

Abstract

The present study was carried out to know how the factors that influence the willingness to orally communicate affect English language learners. This research seeks to determine if the students are motivated to participate in speaking activities, based on three main variables: motivation, personality, and proficiency level. The sample was selected from students who learn English as Foreign Language (EFL) in public high schools in Quito, Ecuador. Specifically, the survey was conducted on 100 students divided into five third-year high school courses. The survey information was collected during the classroom observations emphasizing the dynamic done by the teacher and activities employed in the speaking skills, through instruments such as class observation sheets and questionnaires as well as, my notes and students' individual opinions. Finally, the research showed that the students were not motivated to speak in English class, that most of them did not feel encouraged to participate voluntarily in speaking activities, and that their limited proficiency level hampered their communication