The Influence of Emotions on Students’ Speaking Skill.

Abstract

The influence of emotions on students’ speaking skill aims to learn about the main emotional factors that affect a group of 9th grade students’ English-speaking skill, as perceived by the students themselves. Throughout the practices carried out at the institution, specifically at the ninth level of education, students have experienced difficulties when developing their speaking skills in the subject of English. In the present study a qualitative approach was used, with an interpretive paradigm, with the use of the phenomenological research method. Five students participated in this project, three boys and two girls from the chosen school, a public school located in the city of Cuenca. The students expressed their perceptions through personal interviews and a focus group discussion about their emotions and feelings during communicative-oriented activities while they interacted with others. The study results demonstrated the existence of different factors that influence students both positively and negatively, mainly due to stress, nerves, anxiety, embarrassment, teasing, confidence, and feedback. These provoke positive and negative emotions, which in turn are directly connected to the students’ speaking skill, thus affecting their speaking skill. It was concluded that the importance of developing spaces and moments could improve and strengthen confidence, self-esteem, and rapport in the classroom. Finally, the study highlights the important role emotions play in language learning. Positive emotions, such as confidence, motivation, and positive feedback can contribute greatly to improving English speaking, while negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear and teasing, can hinder progress.