SITUATIONAL FACTORS: BASES FOR IMPROVING THE ATTITUDE AND MOTIVATION OF ESL LEARNERS’ SPEAKING SKILLS IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS

Abstract

This paper highlights the importance of enhancing the speaking skills among ESL freshmen in the College of Arts and Letters of Bulacan State University. The respondents in this study were Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Major in Broadcasting Sections A to D. Although this course requires oral communication proficiency for global competitiveness, only a few students participate actively in classroom discussions. Many of them lag behind in terms of speaking skills. The ability to speak English has become the norm in the country and around the world. Graduates who possess such a skill can have better opportunities locally or internationally compared with those who cannot speak fluently. Hence, the researchers looked into the role of attitude and motivation in enhancing speaking skills among the respondents in terms of the following: demographics, the attitude of students toward English, situational factors affecting the attitude of students toward English, the motivation of students in learning English, and students’ beliefs about learning English. The research instrument was administered to the respondents via Google Forms. The 32-item questionnaire was designed to determine the attitudes and motivation of ESL students toward learning English. Each of the respondents was scored from 1-5 on a Likert Scale. Through the use of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Fisher Z-test, and P-Value in testing the hypotheses, data were analyzed and interpreted. The Likert Scales show the participants had an incredibly positive attitude and behavior toward English in general. Among all motivation items, the top factors affecting students to learn more in English are the Student’s Practical Purpose, Correction of the Teacher during Class, Communication Focused Class Activities, and Positive Atmosphere during class. Based on the findings of the study, language teachers should take advantage of motivation to foster a positive attitude among the students when it comes to speaking skills through the use of authentic materials such as audio, video, printed, and softcopies. Factors such as activities, environment, and teachers’ attitudes should be the point of reference in determining which learning materials work best in enhancing the speaking skills of the students.  Article visualizations: