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

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the pedagogical and social factors that influence the process of learning English as a foreign language in Ecuador. The main objective is to identify and analyze these factors to understand their influence on students performance. The study was conducted in a public educational institution in the canton of La Maná, Cotopaxi province, Ecuador. The sample consisted of 29 second-year high school students and 3 English teachers. The research was developed under a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Surveys applied to students and teachers were used as the main data collection instruments, complemented by interviews with randomly selected students. The quantitative approach allowed the processing of numerical data obtained through surveys, facilitating percentage analysis, while the qualitative approach enabled the understanding of perceptions and experiences. The results show that various elements of the educational and social environment have a significant impact on English learning overall in the study context. In conclusion both factors contribute to the educational process as a complement to classroom instruction.