Abstract

GAVILEMA VACA, Adriana Guadalupe  and  TOVAR VIERA, Vicente Rodrigo. Psychological Factors that Affect the Improvement of Oral English Competence. Rev. Sci. [online]. 2025, vol.10, n.35, pp.26-47.  Epub Sep 29, 2025. ISSN 2542-2987.  https://doi.org/10.29394/scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.35.1.26-47.

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.

Keywords : linguistic competence; learning psychology; language teaching; anxiety; english as a foreign language.

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