Self-efficacy Perception of Oral Communication Ability among English as a Second Language (ESL) Technical Students

Abstract

The declining level of the English language proficiency among Malaysian graduates has caused great concern among employers in Malaysia. Many studies have been conducted on self-efficacy in second and foreign language settings; however, there is a paucity of research on self-efficacy in relation to speaking ability in second language learning, especially among technical college students in Malaysia. This study has been conducted to investigate differences, if any, in self-efficacy in speaking English among 60 technical college ESL students based on gender during two different semesters. Research was conducted using a questionnaire adapted from previous research. The students’ perceived self-efficacy of speaking ability was measured using three constructs, namely ability, activity perception and aspiration. In general, the findings have shown that female students and Semester 5 students tended to possess high levels of self-efficacy. Implications of the findings in relation to theory and practice of self-efficacy and speaking proficiency are further discussed in the paper.