Pedagogical and Social Factors that Influence the Learning Process of English as a Foreign Language in Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the pedagogical and social factors that influence the process of learning English as a foreign language in Ecuador. The objective of this research is to analyze these pedagogical and social factors and their impact on the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language. The study was conducted at a Catholic school in Saraguro, Loja, Ecuador, with a sample of thirty second-year high school students. A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected through surveys and interviews. Three instruments were used in this study: a Likert-scale questionnaire administered to students to identify the pedagogical and social factors that influence their English learning; a second questionnaire administered to teachers to collect and triangulate information; and a semi-structured interview conducted with ten randomly selected students to explore these factors in greater depth. The findings revealed that students maintain a very positive perception of the pedagogical and social factors, but a sample also indicated limited access to certain factors.