Factors that affect the learning of English as a foreign language in Superior Basic Education

Abstract

In recent years, English has increased its influence in most of the world because it provides great opportu nities to improve the quality of life of people who practice it. The teaching of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is of significant importance within the basic education curriculum in Ecuador. However, the learning of this foreign lan guage is a difficult task for teachers and students. Therefore, the objective of this research is to identify the factors that affect the learning of English as a Foreign Language in Superior Basic Education. This research had a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative). The techniques for data collection were a survey directed to 50 students of Superior Basic Education and an interview directed to 2 teachers and 3 parents, who belong to two public educational institutions located in the city of Portoviejo, Manabí, Ecuador. The main results showed that most students perceived dissatisfaction with learning English. It also gave evidence on how the linguistic, social, economic, cultural, and emotional factors, lack of resources, and teacher training affect the learning of English as a foreign language in students of Superior Basic Education. Therefore, all the education stakeholders must collaborate to find solutions to mitigate the affections.