Conclusions and Recommendations The results suggest the following implications and suggestions for pedagogical practice.
First, students’ perceived level of proficiency in spoken English was average. There are many factors which influence spoken English such as attitude, motivation, classroom activities, classroom environment and learning resources. English learning deserves much of teachers’ attention because language learning can bring about identity changes to learners; therefore, the above factors need to be put into consideration.
The best predictor variables were: attitude, classroom activities and motivation. This meant that these were the most important variables in teaching English language. A positive attitude towards English is a good start to learning the language. When learners are motivated, they internalize the need for learning and develop a self urge towards learning. Engaging students in classroom activities is a way of retaining their interests in the lesson, thus, motivating them to learn the target language. It should be noted that this study used self-evaluation instruments to measure English proficiency. Therefore, results were obtained based on students’ own reports of attitude, anxiety, classroom activities, motivation and learning resources. These may not be sufficient to reveal the actual, on-going dynamic processes in students’ learning of the new language. So, it is possible that there can be discrepancy between students’ perceived level of English proficiency and actual self-regulatory processes. Thus, relying on just perceived selfregulation can be considered as a limitation to the present study. Finally, it is suggested that further studies integrate qualitative research methods to the research design in order to get an in depth understanding of students’ perception towards English proficiency.
International Journal of Instruction, July 2013