Factors affecting EFL student´s oral communication skills

Abstract

Abstract: Factors affecting EFL students oral skills is a study that determines the most influential elements for teachers and students during the learning and teaching of the speaking skill in a public high school of the city of Loja. The study was directed through qualitative and quatitative approaches; the participants consisted of 5 English as a Foreign Language teachers, 3 females and 2 males whose years of experienced ranged from 1 to 10 years, and 38 students coursing the first year of Senior High School whose ages ranged from 13 to 18 years old. To collect the research data, teachers and students were invited to complete a questionnaire about the possible factors affecting oral skills in EFL learners. Later, 5 lessons were observed to compare and contrast the data provided by teachers and students in the questionnaires. Obtained results demonstrated that pedagogical and individual factors related to methods, resources, feedback, class planning, and anxiety were the most influential at the time of teaching and learning speaking.