EFL LEARNER"S RELUCTANCE TO SPEAK IN ENGLISH CLASSROOM: PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Abstract
As the most commonly accepted language throughout the world English offers many benefits in today"s globalization. Therefore, English is highly needed for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner either for their education purpose or their career development in the near future. Speaking perceived as the most fundamental skill to acquire since the ability to speak in English is considered as an obvious achievement for EFL learner. Unfortunately, most of the EFL learners are reluctance to speak during the language learning classroom due to many factors and psychological factor is one of them that commonly found. For that reason, this paper attempts to find out the physiological factor affecting students" unwillingness in producing oral activity. The data was gathered through questionnaires and interview to 60 students of a Senior High School (SMA) in Lhoksukon, North Aceh. The results of this study showed that almost half of the students (48.3%) stayed outside of the speaking circle due to fear of making mistake, followed by their lack of confidence (25%), next, students" shyness (16.7%), and the lowest frequency was dealing with lack of motivation (10%). Thus, a harmonious atmosphere should be created by the teacher in the classroom through emotional bonds between teacher-students and students-students to make students feel secure and welcome from any mistakes.
Keywords
EFL learner, reluctance, speaking, psychological factor