CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

Speaking is an act of using vocal sound in order to communicate and express one’s thoughts and
feelings. For others it may be an informal remark or formal address. The goal of speaking is to develop
the ability to communicate effectively, assuring that one’s message will be understood, and for the
speaker to convey his/her message in a passionate, thoughtful, and convincing manner.

Speaking skills consist of four areas : Fluency, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation which
develop a person to become a good speaker. One must have confidence to speak the English language and
have strong vocabulary skills in order to know the right words to say and have proper pronunciation in
order for the audience to understand the message. Learners can easily pass written examinations and tests
because they have no difficulties of using the English language for communication. However, many
people lack the necessary knowledge to communicate fluently and accurately. Nervousness, anxiety and
lack of self-confidence can significantly affect the learner’s oral performance (LM Leong 2017).

Many language teachers consider speaking as an effective way to gain a fluent reading,
knowledge and correct speech as a foundation for good writing, encouraging teachers to make the
students speak more than one shall write, helping the students to gain confidence to speak to others or
even in a crowd developing not just speaking skills but also how to interact to others and could also
develop an attitude of leadership. Speaking skills can greatly help students in pursuing their desired
careers in the future (Vijay K.S. 2017).

Applying the speaking skills in the undergraduate students in the area of English could increase
their speaking competence and confidence that could help them in their future careers. It shows that
having good speaking skills at work will not only increase ones self-esteem and career but will also build
teamwork, good connections and relationship with work mates ( Ashley A. 2016).

The Department of Education continuously monitors the oral performance of the Filipino learners
in order that they will become efficient and specialized speakers in the future.

Thus, a study on the factors affecting the speaking skills of Bachelor of Secondary Education,
specifically second year learners in Golden Heritage Polytechnic College, is necessary.

Conceptual and theoretical Framework

 This study is anchored on the language acquisition theory of B.F Skinner by Markicon et.al.
(2016), which asserts that language is acquired through observation and exposure in our environment.

The process of acquiring mastery of the English language differs for children and adult.
According to Ruyun Ho (2016), exposure in the English language greatly affects the learner’s proficiency
in the language. If a child is exposed to the English language, he will be proficient in the language.

Female students tend to be better then male students when it comes to speaking, Males scored
63.3 while Females scored 68.5 on the data that measured the five aspects of speaking skills:
pronunciation, grammar, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary (Slipia R. 2016).