The Effectiveness of An English Enhancement Course on Public Speaking Anxiety Among College Students

Abstract

The study investigates the effectiveness of an English Enhancement Course (EEC) in alleviating public speaking anxiety (PSA) among college students at the University of Saint Anthony. The participants, 66 students from BS Nursing, BS Business Administration, and BS Civil Engineering, were assessed using a time-series quantitative design with pre-test and post-test measurements. The Personal Report on Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) was used to evaluate the students' anxiety levels. Statistical analyses included t-tests, one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and weighted means to analyze the changes in PSA levels.

The results revealed no significant reduction in PSA across any department after the EEC, with BS Nursing students exhibiting the highest initial anxiety levels and BS Civil Engineering students showing the lowest. The t-tests and ANOVA analyses indicated that time (pre- vs. post-test) and departmental affiliation did not significantly impact PSA levels. Additionally, the study identified factors influencing PSA, including physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart), cognitive anxiety (e.g., fear of forgetting), and self-confidence issues. The findings suggest that while the EEC may improve English proficiency, it does not effectively reduce PSA. Future interventions should focus on specific anxiety management techniques, self-confidence building, and overcoming communication barriers to address PSA more effectively.