Factors Affecting the Oral Performance of Grade IV Pupils in English at Subic Elementary School for the School Year 2017-2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research paper aimed to identify the factors affecting the oral performance of Grade IV pupils in English at Subic Elementary School for the school year 2017-2018. The researcher considered the problems with speaking performance very annoying and can retard academic progress if not given emphasis.

METHODS

The participants of the study were 25 Grade four pupils at Subic Elementary School. The questionnaires consisted of 10 closed-questions which were designed in English.

RESULTS

The results of the study indicated that the pupils faced many problems such as: fearful of criticism or losing face, used Filipino instead of English in speaking classes; worried about making mistakes, spoke very little or not at all, didn't remember the structure of the sentence and vocabulary when they speak, shyness, could not think of anything to say, lack of motivation to express themselves, low and uneven participation and unfriendly attitude towards the foreign language. The results also showed that there were many factors affecting pupils' oral performance as follow: topical knowledge; lack of confidence; time allowed to perform speaking task; anxiety; listening ability; pressure to perform well, feedback during speaking activities, motivation to speak, listeners' support and time for preparation.

DISCUSSIONS

It was evident that the pupils encountered many problems in their oral participation in English class. An action plan was deemed necessary to help pupils overcome speaking problems.