Factors That Cause Anxiety in Learning English Speaking Skills Among College Students in City of Malabon University: Basis For 1 Year Action Plan
Factors That Cause Anxiety in Learning English Speaking Skills Among College Students in City of Malabon University: Basis For 1 Year Action Plan
Factors That Cause Anxiety in Learning English Speaking Skills Among College Students in City of Malabon University: Basis For 1 Year Action Plan
INTRODUCTION
and enhanced. Being able to express ideas, opinions, and concepts through speech is
vital in communication process. It is not merely words from mouth but being able to
relate thoughts in clear, effective, and concise manner. Alongside with Listening,
The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all
communicator, but the ability to speak skilfully provides the speaker with several
distinct advantages (Gerald Gillis, 2013). According to him the capacity of the speaker
to put words together in a meaningful way to reflect thoughts, opinions, and feelings
provides the speaker with these important advantages such as ability to inform,
persuade, and direct; ability to stand out from the rest; career enhancement; and
personal satisfaction. Speaking is very important in career success as also in second
language learning. In these modern times, being able to communicate using English
communicate, people cannot achieve the goals and vision they want to achieve.
Since the late 19th century, English has been referred as a global lingua franca.
As English language is dominantly used around the globe, the challenge to the non-
native speakers in learning foreign language rises. It is right to assume that a college
student should be able to communicate in foreign language in a way that is direct, clear
and with fluidity because of the Basic English subjects taken in their previous years of
studies. The schools and teachers understand the need to provide quality education for
their students to hone their ability and develop their skills particularly in speaking skills.
Speaking in foreign language can be a challenging task for many students because it is
needs interaction. They must speak with somebody unlike the other skills that can be
participation that requires speaking skills. They need to learn Foreign language and be
able to communicate effectively but on the contrary the first step of learning the skill
cause them to experience fear and anxiety. The anxiety experienced in speaking English
language inside the classroom can limit their ability to function more and can slowdown
entitled “An Investigation of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety and Its Relationship
with Students’ Achievement (A case study in university of Sargodha). The finding shows
that language anxiety and achievement are negatively related to each other. It is also
physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually
have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of
worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness,
about a different life aspect such as work, family, relationship, or health without a
specific cause or real threat. The symptoms last for at least six months with signs such
of the French language (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety, E. & M. Horwitz, 1986).
In their study, 75 student were given questionnaires regarding how they feel in certain
situations related to second language learning such as: performing an oral reading,
written works, sight reading, assessing whether the instructor will give a positive
anxiety. A considerable problem on this topic, as pointed out by Scovel in his 1988
research which, is that there is no clear cut evidence of language learning anxiety per
se or a particular condition from which difficulty of learning language comes from,
is also the reason why there is a dearth of reliable researches in this topic. The
student not being able to achieve the established standards set by the language
Past studies have determined some causes related to foreign language speaking
cultural stereotypes, and foreign teacher etc. (Timina, 2015). Findings by Horwitz et al.
(1986) have been the most influential. They identified three causes of language anxiety,
that is, communication apprehension, test anxiety and fear of negative evaluation.
Other causes are: being grade conscious, fear to commit mistake especially in
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The Input-Process method is used in the research. Input contains the profile of the
respondents, their age, gender, college department, year level, their assessment on the
Process refers to the strategies used by the researcher to determine the outcome of the
study by means of answering the survey questionnaire to collect information for the
study. Data gathered for the study will be analysed and interpreted using statistical
tools applicable in the study. The SPSS software can also be implemented to handle the
Output will be a one (1) year Action Plan to address the issues caused by anxiety in
mechanism caused by low academic performance (2015, Youth Risk Behavior Survey).
The proposed Action Plan will focus on recommending ways to lessen the severity of
second language learning anxiety. This was adapted from the successful experimental
research conducted in Malaysia among medical students who experience varying levels
As performed from the study, anxiety experiencing students were clustered into groups
system to allay their fears of being judged, among other reasons. Another key in their
successful research was the intervention of a psychology professional whom they were
challenge on the lack of funds of whosoever implements the product of this research.
Considering this, another viable option will be direct mitigation of causes of language
anxiety. Students can still be grouped into smaller clusters and foster a sense of
belongingness. There can also be activities which can be implemented such as before
classes, students will be given the schedule of activities to be done in a school day and
thus, alleviate the root of anxiety which irrational apprehensiveness of uncertain things
This study is aimed to determine the factors that cause anxiety in learning English
1.1. Age
1.2. Gender
2.3. Shyness
3. Is there a significant difference on the four (4) groups of respondents’ assessment
4. How the study helps in preparing a 1 year action plan to which particular language
anxiety causing factors are most prevalent among the respondents and thus, needs
HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis were tested for the acceptance or rejection at 5% level of significance.
administrators can benefit from this research as the policy makers. They can refer to
the situations experienced by the students to better be able to manage the school. This
can also serve as a basis on budget management allocations. On a wider scale, it can
additional literature for guidance personnel to base on for better grasp of the problems
students experience during learning second language. They can also prepare
interventions for students, who are considered to be on lower level of language learning
Teachers – they can refer to this research for implementing new language
teaching strategies. They can also use the materials from this research as an
assessment tool for the level of comfortability of students in second language learning
situation. They can also reconsider that poor performance by students may be result of
anxiety rather than attributing the underperformance to the lower learning capability of
students.
Other researchers – this research can serve as additional literature for those
This study is to focus on determining the Factors that Cause Anxiety among the
Student of the City of Malabon University in Learning English Speaking Skill. The
respondents were City of Malabon University students’ who belong to different discipline
(200) students, fifty (50) students from each college department were randomly
selected for data gathering through Google form survey within the time frame of one
week. Furthermore, the factors given in survey questionnaires were the result of
previous research.
Definition of Terms
Speaking Skills - mastery over the process of transmitting ideas and information
Non-native Speakers - refers to people who speak their own language other than a
studied second language, refers to English language learners as used in this paper
CHAPTER 2
Local Studies
From a recent study conducted among Filipino students, there was a mention that:
“numerous and varied studies have been conducted to determine the factors that affect
Evidence has shown that language anxiety is one of the strongest predictors of
language learning success and that it has incapacitating effects on the language
when speaking,” while Gardner and MacIntyre described language anxiety as the
among others, while inhibiting factors are peer affiliation or a feeling of communal
manifested in the different stages of language learning, the input, processing, and
output stages, and describing how anxiety is related to these three stages can provide
insights on why second language learners and foreign language learners suffer from
still a scarcity of available and published written materials investigating the status of
foreign language learning anxiety in the Philippines. Thus, intending to address this
problem, this study investigated the attributions about the English language anxiety of
Filipino students enrolled in teacher education courses and how language anxiety
affects their English proficiency and their language learning. Specifically, the study
(1) What are the sources of language anxiety of Filipino teacher education learners?
(5) How does language anxiety affect the second language learning of the
respondents?
(6) How may the effects of language anxiety on the second language learning of the
respondents be described?”
The aforementioned research was led by Rhodora Jugo and published under the title
Learners, 2020. From her work, it can be seen that there is a reason to further address
the issue of language anxiety for it is an existent learning condition and thus can impair
Another pertinent research is this one titled: What is So Scary about Learning English?
From this 2019 paper published by Gacho, he says that “Anxiety in the field of
foreign/second language learning has been studied extensively due to its adverse
influence in the language acquisition process (see Bailey, 1983; Horwitz, Horwitz &
Cope, 1986; MacIntyre & Gardner, 1994; Young, 1991; Ohata, 2005; Pappamihiel,
2002; Williams & Andrade, 2008, as cited in, Lucas, Miraflores & Go, 2011). It is defined
classroom language learning arising from the uniqueness of the language learning
process” (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986, p. 128). Anxiety has been observed among
language learners in such symptoms as “freezing” in class, “going blank” before exams,
and feeling reticent about entering the classroom (Horwitz, Horwitz & Cope, 1986, p.
foreign language, experience anxiety when it comes to such classroom situations that
language other than their first language. With language anxiety, these learners tend to
develop apprehension, worry, or even fear which lead them to have difficulty
According to MacIntyre and Gardner (1991), learners of both foreign and second
language are likely to experience language anxiety and this in turn can pose possible
problems "because it can interfere with the acquisition, retention, and production of the
new language" (p. 86). Krashen (1985a, 1985b) posits that language anxiety constrains
students’ capacity to process language inputs and hinders the course of language
acquisition. It means that when anxiety impairs mental function, students who are
anxious have the tendency to acquire less and thus may be incapable of displaying
On a similar vein, studies have shown that language anxiety affects the communication
strategies learners can use in a language class. Ely (1986), for instance, reported that
anxious learners were less probable to take challenges in the language class.
Foreign Studies
research about the existence of language learning anxiety in the learner of second
language. Another forerunner will Thomas Scovel who conducted similar researches
Another relevant research will be of Zheng, published in 2008 which states that:
“Anxiety is one of the most well documented psychological phenomena. The definition
(Casado & Dereshiwsky, 2001). Broadly speaking, anxiety is the subjective feeling of
been differentiated into trait anxiety, situational anxiety, and state anxiety. Though no
clear delineation between these three categories can be claimed, the differences can
other.
Situational anxiety falls in the middle of the continuum, representing the probability of
reaction aroused when learning or using a second language” (p. 27). Similarly, Horwitz,
language learning arising from the uniqueness of the language learning process” (p.
31).
The recent history of studies on anxiety in the language learning area is remarkably
influenced by two seminal papers. First, Scovel (1978) identified that early perspectives
anxiety and second language achievement. Scovel attributed the conflicting and mixed
results to different anxiety measures and different conceptualizations of anxiety. He
claimed that ambiguous experimental results can be resolved if the distinction between
Facilitating anxiety occurs when the difficulty level of the task triggers the proper
amount of anxiety. However, although a certain level of anxiety may be beneficial, too
much anxiety can lead to a debilitating effect, which may lead to avoidance of work or
Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope’s (1986) paper is also influential. The authors clearly
articulated the concept of foreign language anxiety. Placing language anxiety in the
framework of related concepts of anxiety, the authors recognized that language anxiety
anxiety. One major contribution of their paper is it offers a Foreign Language Classroom
results of these studies demonstrated that language anxiety exerts a debilitating role in
The complexity of anxiety is also reflected in the means of its measurement. There are
or rating; physiological assessment such as heart rates or blood pressure tests; and
participants’ self-reports, in which internal feelings and reactions are measured (Casado
& Dereshiwsky, 2001; Daly, 1991). Participants’ self-reports are utilized most often in
is also intricately intertwined with other individual differences such as personality traits,
Local Literature
From Raizza P. Bello, the mental health crisis has been called by professionals “the next
pandemic.” In a 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report, it was stated that
around 3.3 million Filipinos already suffer from depressive disorders, one of the highest
cases in Southeast Asia. Last May, the WHO also warned of an impending global mental
This is a grave concern for students like Geli who study in medical schools. Throughout
the years, Geli shares she has learned to compartmentalize stressors; mental health
issues cannot be given much space in medical education, as it may risk one’s academic
standing.
Enduring pandemic-induced anxieties as the last school year came to a close, she
began reflecting on her learning experience and discussing the LOA option with her
parents — as she ultimately felt the need to pursue self-betterment and progress on
Since going on a study break these past months, Geli has transitioned to healthier
personal routines, has created a podcast, and has been active in her advocacies
previously sidelined when she entered medical school. She is currently volunteering
greener practices geared towards climate health. Geli also dedicated this period to
review her first year and second year school subjects (CNN Philippines Online, 2020).
She says, “It’s not something to be ashamed of. Taking a leave of absence doesn’t
mean [that] you’re not strong enough to handle the school year ‘cause I know I could
have handled the school year if push comes to shove. Taking a LOA is really just doing
what’s best for you and giving yourself the best chance and the best pass forward even
if it’s not the most traditional sense.” (Why Some Students Chose to File a Leave of
Foreign Literature
motivation and increases the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among medical students
(2014).
nervousness when learning a new language. Language anxiety can originate from
learners’ own sense of ‘self’, their self-related cognitions, language learning difficulties,
differences in learners’ and target language cultures, differences in social status of the
speakers and interlocutors, and from the fear of losing self-identity. Consideration of
in order to assist them to achieve the intended performance goals in the target
definite concern for teaching and learning stakeholders. As built upon by preceding
researchers and authorities in the field, the value of understanding the phenomena
English Language teachers, with students of any level, need to be aware of this
English to be able to participate in school setting, community, and the job market.
There have been strong consistent proofs that being well versed in the English
language is a positive factor in landing a job (Pandey & Pandey, 2014). Furthermore, as
backed by Harvard publications, there were also evident proofs that mastery over
English leads to higher chances of work promotion (John Beeson, June 2009).
Another thing is that since English is widely considered as the universal language
to access the information realm called the internet, a tremendous amount of loss is
suffered by an individual unable to exhibit grasp of the language. (The Role of English
This research hopes to address the issue of bettering the odds of an English as
Second Language Learner in mastery of the subject by alleviating the factors which
impede progress.
CHAPTER 3
This chapter presents the methods used in the study. It consist of research design,
RESEARCH DESIGN
In doing this study, descriptive research is applied as the design. This research
about prevailing conditions, beliefs, processes, trends, and cause-effect relationship and
then adequate and accurate interpretation about such data with or without aid of
statistical treatment.
The respondents of the study were the students of the City of Malabon University. Two
hundred (200) respondents composed of fifty (50) students from College of Arts and
Technology (CET), and College of Teacher Education (CTE) were chosen randomly.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENT
In gathering data from the respondents, the researchers constructed survey
questionnaire to collect the data needed for the study. The research instrument is
consisted of two parts. The first part of the research covers the students profile
such as age, gender, department, and year level. The second part is their
assessment in the Factors that Cause Anxiety in Learning English Speaking Skills in
cultural stereotypes.
comments and suggestions. The trial of the survey questionnaire was also conducted by
know if there is anything to be improved. After the dry-run, the questionnaire was again
submitted to the researchers’ adviser for further comments and suggestions. The final
The first step before going to the testing proper is to make a request letter. The
researcher requested for the approval of the President or Vice President for Academic
Affairs and College Deans of the City of Malabon University to administer this research
study by sending the questionnaire through Google form to the students and use
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
Fifty (50) students from College of Arts and Science (CAS), fifty (50) students of College
(CET), and fifty (50) Students College of Teacher Education (CTE) were chosen through
random sampling. Random sampling is one such procedure that selects a sample of
units from a population by chance, typically to facilitate generalization from the sample
to the population (Shadish, Cook, & Campbell, 2002). Random sampling ensures that
results obtained from your sample should approximate what would have been obtained
if the entire population had been measured (Shadish et al., 2002). The simplest random
sample allows all the units in the population to have an equal chance of being selected.
The researcher conducted the survey of the study within one week to adjust on
students’ availability. The researchers sent a link of the Google form to the students of
the each department through social media platforms from June 21, 2021 to June 27,
2021. The researchers requested also the cooperation from the class representative of
each department. The collected questionnaires were arranged for collation of data for
the study.
To determine the actual number of the respondent needed for the study, the following
Percentage was used as the tool for statistical test to determine the number
f
% = N
x 100
Where:
% - Percentage
f - Sample Size
Weighted Mean was used to determine the status of involves multiplying each
Where:
f - frequency
N - number of respondents
Where:
K - number of columns
n - number of rows
determining each data point's deviation relative to the mean. If the data points are
further from the mean, there is a higher deviation within the data set; thus, the more