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

Abstract

The study “Students’ perceptions on the factors that influence their willingness to orally communicate in the EFL classroom in Ecuadorian high schools” is aimed to analyze students’ insights about the different aspects that affect speaking skills in educational institutions in Ecuador where English is taught. To facilitate the process of investigation, the qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. The qualitative method was applied to gather information, as well as to describe and interpret the results. The quantitative approach was utilized for statistical and numerical data. The sample was taken by applying questionnaires to 100 students belonging to 5 English classrooms in a public night school in Quito. Pupils’ age ranged between 17 to 36 years old. The analysis of the results evidenced that although oral communication is a willing task where most of the students participate, one third of the surveyed learners avoid doing it, due to the fear of making mistakes in front of their peers and being teased. The outcomes also showed that some pupils are not able to practice this skill because of their low level of proficiency.