Factors that influence high school students English oral communication skills in Ecuadorian face-to-face learning environments

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the linguistic and emotional factors that influence high school students' English oral communication skills in face-to-face learning environments. To achieve this objective, a sample was considered of 42 1st grade high school students with their respective English teacher from a public school in Ecuador located in the province of El Oro. This research used the descriptive qualitative method. The instruments designed were a survey of students and teacher, in addition to a personal interview with five students. Additionally, an observation sheet was used to collect information from three classroom classes. The results revealed that both types of factors affect greatly improve students' oral communication skills; However, the Emotional factors are more influential than linguistic ones. Specifically the factors emotions of lack of confidence, fear and worry. On the other hand, the factors linguistic problems of grammar, vocabulary and interference from the mother tongue as well significantly influence the oral skills of students.