Factores Psicológicos que Afectan el Mejoramiento de la Competencia Oral en Inglés: Psychological Factors that Affect the Improvement of Oral English Competence

Adriana Guadalupe Gavilema Vaca; Vicente Rodrigo Tovar Viera

doi:10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.1.26-47

Authors

Adriana Guadalupe Gavilema Vaca Technical University of Cotopaxi, UTC https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1249-6957
Vicente Rodrigo Tovar Viera Technical University of Cotopaxi, UTC https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5960-3020

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.1.26-47

Keywords:

linguistic competence, learning psychology, language teaching, anxiety, english as a foreign language

Abstract

Psychological factors play a crucial role in the development of oral competence in English as a foreign language. This research examines the elements that affect the development of oral skills in english major students at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC). Using a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative), a questionnaire was administered to 54 first-semester students and semi-structured interviews were conducted with three professors. The results reveal that fear of criticism is the most significant emotional barrier, followed by dependence on spanish when expressing oneself. The teacher's role emerges as a determining factor, especially in creating positive learning environments. Interviews with teachers confirm that anxiety and lack of confidence are major obstacles to oral participation. It is concluded that a holistic approach integrating emotional and pedagogical aspects is essential to improve oral competence in English, suggesting the implementation of specific strategies for anxiety management and the development of teacher training programs focused on psychological aspects of learning.

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Author Biographies

Adriana Guadalupe Gavilema Vaca, Technical University of Cotopaxi, UTC

Born in Ecuador, Province of Cotopaxi, Canton Pujilí, Ecuador, on April 27, 2000. I completed my primary studies at Antonio Aristarco Jácome Educational Unit; and my Secondary Studies at Provincia de Cotopaxi Educational Unit in Unified General Baccalaureate; I participated in and completed the I National Pedagogical and Educational Research Seminar “Post-pandemic education challenges at different levels” organized by the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC); I also participated in the “Workshop on methodologies and tools for research development” at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC); completed the course “Quantitative Research in Education”, at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC); completed my Pre-Professional Practices at “San José La Salle” Educational Unit in the City of Latacunga, Province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador; Participated in the “Workshop for strengthening students' research skills” at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC); I am currently a graduate of the National and Foreign Languages Pedagogy-English Program at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC), Pujilí Extension; and participated in research projects related to factors affecting oral English language learning.

Vicente Rodrigo Tovar Viera, Technical University of Cotopaxi, UTC

Born in Province of Cotopaxi, Latacunga, Ecuador on July 13, 1978. I am an associate professor at the Technical University of Cotopaxi (UTC) in Latacunga, Ecuador; I hold a PhD in Applied English Linguistics from the University of Szeged (SZTE), Hungary; I also completed master's degrees in Applied Linguistics for Bilingual Teaching (English-Spanish) and in University Teaching and Educational Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE); and Indoamerica University (UIO); additionally, I obtained a diploma in English as a Second Language (ESL) from the Language School of the Armed Forces University (ESPE); and an International ESL Certification from HANSA Language Centre in Toronto, Canada, United States; I am the author of the books “Importance of Vocabulary Acquisition and Teaching Writing in the EFL Context”; I have published several articles and presented at academic conferences in Hungary, Croatia, Czech Republic, United States and Ecuador; my research interests include second language acquisition (SLA), teaching English as a second language (ESL) or foreign language (EFL); with a particular focus on vocabulary acquisition, academic writing and language use; currently, I have led and participated in various research projects related to applied linguistics and teaching practices.

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Psychological Factors that Affect the Improvement of Oral English Competence