Factors Causing College Students' English Speaking Anxiety

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate relationship between speaking anxiety and the development of speaking skills in English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Its core aim is to dissect and understand the principal elements contributing to speaking anxiety, alongside evaluating the effectiveness of diverse pedagogical strategies in addressing these issues. It used the questionnaire to collect the data. The participants are 90 college students, including freshmen and senior students. The results are that confidence levels, classroom participation anxiety, and perceived linguistic competence which can cause students' English speaking anxiety. In conclusion, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of English speaking anxiety in ESL settings, offering valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers. It calls for a shift in the traditional approaches to language teaching, advocating for more empathetic, student-centered, and stage-specific strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by ESL learners.