Oral Participation in L2 Learners’ English Classroom : What Motivates or Discourages Pupils to Participate Orally During Class?

Abstract: In this study, the oral participation in L2-learners' English classroom was analysed in order to investigate what specific factors motivate och discourage pupils in EFL classroom to particpate orally. Additionally, this paper identifies the motivational factors of pupils and discusses how they affect their oral participation during English lessons. Therefore, the main reserach question of this paper are: How do the participating pupils feel about particpating in oral tasks? What helps or hinders pupils to participate in oral tasks during English lesson? This qualitative study in which we preffered the usage of semi-structured interviews (see: Appendix Interview Guide) was conducted with eight particpants between the ages of 13 and 15 from three different schools. The data analysis showed that the pupils' engagement to participate is influenced by external factors such as motivation, environment and individual factors. According to this study, it can be concluded that motivation and participation are linked and work together to achieve the main goal of participation and involvement during English lessons. Furthermore, the study paid extra attention to environmental and human elements, such as fear, anxiety and self-consciousness. In addition, pupils stated that strong feelings, such as being judged for being in the spotlight are the most common reasons for a pupil's lack of motivation to participate and angage during English lessons. Finally, this study and its results are most beneficial to English teachers to get inspired and influenced to construct an active EFL classroom where pupils develop a willingness to communicate and use their L2.