FACTORS THAT AFFECT STUDENTS' ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPEAKING SKILL; IN CASE OF BENSA WOREDA GRADE 11 SOCIAL SCIENCE STREAM STUDENTS

Abstract The objective of this study was to find the factors that affect students’ speaking skill of grade 11 social stream in Bensa Woreda Schools. The study employed mixed approach method by using qualitative and quantitative approach. In this study, 110 students sample and 31 English language teachers or the whole English language teachers in the target site were selected using simple random sampling method for students and comprehensive method for teachers. The required data were collected using questionnaires, classroom observation and interviews. The finding revealed that mother tongue influence, lack of exposure, and lack of practice were the major factors that affect students speaking skill. In addition to these, the large number of students and the teachers used only some speaking activities like: group discussion, dialogues, questions and answers. In contrast, they did not use other speaking activities like: role play, storytelling, problem solving activities and their target was to cover the portion rather than promoting speaking skill. Based on findings recommendations were made students have to practice speaking in the target language by participating in pair or group and individual activities in the classroom and also teachers ought to play great role. In addition, to promote students’ learning of English speaking skill, both English language teachers and students have to play their role. On the other hand, using English media supplementary materials like: Radio, TV, and continuous practice on speaking skills toward improving students speaking skills and the concerned bodies need to deal with the problem of large class size.