Hindering Factors that Prevent College English Students from Participating in Class Discussions: A Case at Jiangsu University, China

Abstract

During several non-participant observations of two advanced College English classes at Jiangsu University, it was
noticed that most of the students did not engage in class discussions. To ascertain what the problem was, but from
learners' perspectives, this research was conducted. Seventy-one students enrolled in College English at Jiangsu
University volunteered to partake in this work. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data. The
findings indicate that most of the respondents did not take an active stance in class discussions because of their lack
of knowledge on strategies to bear their thoughts or opinions. Other expressed that they did not know about the
topics to discuss in class, and that was a significant barrier to their performance. Besides, some participants doubted
to speak in class. That can be linked to their shyness. Knowledge about these findings is helpful for teachers and
College English authorities to examine what kind of training should be offered to students and teachers to make
steady improvements.