Factors Affecting Public High School Student´s English Communication Skills

Abstract

Abstract:The following study research Factors Affecting Public High School Student s English Communication Skills Proficiency, has as purpose to identify what are the main reasons that affect the speaking skill in public high schools. This study research was carried out in a public high school in Guayaquil-Ecuador with the participation of an English high school teacher and twenty-five students from second senior year in high school. The mixed method was applied for this study, it means, qualitative and quantitative data were compiled. There were different instruments employed to collect information. The first one, was an interview with the English teacher; furthermore, a survey applied to the twenty-five students, and an observation sheet to keep record of five classes to make up a general criterion and proceed with the analysis and description. Finally, it can be concluded that factors such as: the lack of opportunities of speaking English in class, the lack of exposure to English outside school, the short time of English lessons during a week, shyness, and fear to commit mistakes were the most prominent several factors that interfere with the student s communication in this public school.