Speaking Anxiety in Undergraduate Students: The Causative Factors and Coping Strategies

Almira Nur Safira, Dewi Rochsantiningsih, Sri Haryati

Abstract

This study aimed to look for: 1) the symptoms of speaking anxiety, 2) the possible factors causing speaking anxiety, and 3) the strategies to overcome the issue in undergraduate students. Using descriptive case study methodology, the data were collected through observation, questionnaire, and interview to 42 first-year undergraduate students majoring in English Education. The findings of this study are as follows: 1) manifestation of speaking anxiety: a) observable symptom, which are making grammar errors, mispronunciation, stuttering, making fillers/pauses, avoiding eye contact, trembling, touching objects, shaky voice; and b) non-observable symptom, including mind goes blank, getting nervous, difficulty concentrating, faster heart beat, panic, sweating, freezing, and cold palms; 2) causes of speaking anxiety: a) personal and interpersonal issues, b) students’ beliefs of foreign language learning, c) teacher-pupil interaction, and d) classroom procedures; and 3) coping strategies of speaking anxiety: a) preparation, b) relaxation, c) positive thinking, d) peer-seeking, and e) increasing self-confidence. The findings of this study implied the prominence of a conducive and supportive learning environment in controlling students’ speaking anxiety. This study involved a small number of respondents which may not adequately represent the group. Regarding its limitation, future research can be carried out on a larger population so that the research results are more relevant.

Keywords

EFL classroom, causes of speaking anxiety, coping strategy of speaking anxiety, speaking anxiety, undergraduate student

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References

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/ee.v13i2.96272

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