ERIC Number: EJ1470853
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2630-0672
EISSN: EISSN-2672-9431
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Factors Contributing to Speaking Anxiety and Anxiety Reduction Techniques in Thai Adult EFL Learners
Natthakit Suratin; Virasuda Sribayak
LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, v18 n1 p294-319 2025
The aim of the study was to identify the factors that contribute to speaking anxiety in Thai adult EFL learners working in an online media company and enrolled in an English course provided by the company, as well as to discover the anxiety reduction techniques used by these learners. The results showed that significant contributors to speaking anxiety among participants can be categorized into internal and external factors. Internally, a learner's personality traits, such as self-inferiority, fear of making mistakes, lack of confidence, and their level of proficiency--including lack of vocabulary knowledge, grammatical inaccuracy, improper pronunciation, lack of skill in scriptwriting, and being unable to articulate things concisely--were major sources of anxiety. Externally, classroom activities, such as public speaking and impromptu speech activities, unclear explanations from teachers, and time constraints, also contributed to learners' anxiety. This study also showed that learners employed various techniques to reduce their anxiety, including preparation, relaxation, positive thinking, peer thinking and task-focused. This underscores the importance for teachers and companies to provide a learning environment appropriate for adult EFL learners and to equip them with tools to create an atmosphere that is less anxiety-inducing.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Speech Communication, Anxiety, Classroom Communication, Foreign Countries, Class Activities, Adult Students, Adult Education, Workplace Learning, Mass Media, Employees, Self Esteem, Personality Traits, Grammar, Pronunciation, Error Patterns, Public Speaking, Time Management, Teacher Student Relationship, Teaching Methods, Educational Environment, Classroom Techniques
Language Institute of Thammasat University. The Prachan Campus, 2 Prachan Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand. e-mail: learnjournal@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/learn
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Thailand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A