Perspectives of EFL students’ difficulties in speaking: a descriptive study

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to explore EFL students’ difficulties in speaking skills at a Higher Technological Institute in Latacunga, Ecuador. The participants were 53 adult learners ranging from 21 to 50 years old who were enrolled in the Beginners and Elementary levels in the Languages Center. The instrument to collect the data was a demographic and speaking survey with multiple-choice, open-ended questions, and Likert scale options. The data was collected using Google forms, and the analysis was carried out through the SPSS statistical software. The reports displayed the mean and the frequency of the data compiled in each variable. The findings revealed that students have limitations to speak correctly because the main factor affecting their oral production is fluency. This issue is influenced by the pauses that students make when speaking. In addition, participants have practiced English filling in the space with correct grammar. Regarding pair work, students believed that it is useful to practice speaking. These findings could be beneficial to address future studies