In-Service Nonnative EFL Primary Education Teachers’ Speaking Anxiety: Do They Have Reasons, Solutions?

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 106 - 123, 28.07.2025

Selim Pınar

Abstract

This mixed-method study examined the prevalence, sources, and potential solutions to speaking anxiety among in-service non-native English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Turkish primary schools. Despite formal language training, many teachers report anxiety when speaking English, particularly due to a lack of practice opportunities, emphasis on accuracy, and insufficient exposure to authentic communicative settings (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986; Kralova & Tirpakova, 2019). A total of 433 teachers completed the English Speaking Anxiety (ESA) scale, and 34 participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis revealed moderate levels of anxiety across subdomains such as oral performance apprehension, self-concern, and speaking self-image. A statistically significant difference was found between novice and experienced teachers in their attitudes toward speaking. The qualitative data identified contributing factors including fear of making mistakes, pronunciation-related concerns, perfectionism, minimal use of advanced language in primary education contexts, and personality traits such as shyness and low self-confidence (Gregersen & Horwitz, 2002; Tanveer, 2007). Recommended solutions included increased oral practice, a pedagogical shift from accuracy to fluency, structured exposure to native speaker interaction, and targeted professional development (Tseng, 2012; Wood, 1999). These findings underscore the importance of institutional support in maintaining and enhancing oral proficiency among EFL teachers.

Keywords

Speaking , Anxiety , Teacher Anxiety , Primary Education

Ethical Statement

This study titled "In-Service Nonnative EFL Primary Education Teachers’ Speaking Anxiety: Do They Have, Reasons, Solutions?" was reviewed and approved by the Gazi University Ethics Committee on 11 July 2023, under the approval number 2023-973. The committee confirmed that the study poses no ethical concerns. The research complies with national ethical standards. Prior to participation, all individuals were informed about the nature and purpose of the study, and informed consent was obtained. Participation was voluntary, and participants were assured of their anonymity, the confidentiality of their responses, and their right to withdraw from the study at any time without consequence.

Thanks

Prof. Dr. Fatma Feryal ÇUBUKÇU

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