The Role of Self-Confidence in Enhancing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skill: Case of First Year Students at Tlemcen University

Abstract

Psychological factors play an important role in a learner’s success in learning and using a foreign language. Thus, this study focuses on the role of self-confidence and its importance in improving students’ speaking skill. The participants were six (6) EFL teachers and thirty (30) EFL students from Tlemcen University. Two questionnaires were used to collect data; one was addressed to first year students and the other to the teachers of oral production. The data collected were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results revealed that most of the EFL students want to master the speaking skill. Self-confidence can help them to achieve this. The study concluded with some suggestions and recommendations in order to help students, particularly the less confident ones to promote their self-confidence and the speaking skill.