Factors stimulating English speaking of the first-year students majoring in English of School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho Universtity.

Abstract

In the context of global integration, the proficient use of foreign languages is a leading factor in being able to communicate with people around the world. Therefore, English is considered a common foreign language for Vietnam in particular and the countries of the world in general. One of the important skills to be acquired in learning a foreign language is speaking skills. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that encourage the English speaking of first-year students majoring in English of School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho University. The study is designed according to the quantitative research methodology using a Likert-style questionnaire with five degrees. The questionnaire is conducted by 155 first-year students majoring in English of School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho University in order to collect research data on the factors that encourage their English speaking. The SPSS software is then used to analyze and evaluate the obtained data. These factors are divided into three main groups: the students themselves, the activities in the classroom, and the learning environment. The results and discussions in this study will help students as well as teachers have a better insight into the difficulties that students might encounter when learning and practicing speaking English. At the same time, appropriate strategies and recommendations will also be discussed for both teachers and students in teaching and learning. Thereby, teachers and students will have good orientations and strategies in developing English speaking skills.