Factors Contributing to the English Speaking Challenges Encountered by Saudi EFL Health Institution Security Guards

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived factors contributing to the English speaking challenges facing Saudi EFL security guards in health institutions. The data were gathered via questionnaires completed by 258 security guard students (132 males and 126 females) and interviews with 6 English teachers (3 males and 3 females). The findings indicated that course content and materials, as well as teaching methodologies, contribute to the speaking problems encountered by Saudi EFL security guards in health institutions. Concerns with course content and resources include insufficient content time, inadequate tasks for English language practice, and a lack of relevance to students' language learning needs. In terms of teaching methods, students are taught using the Grammar Translation Method (GTM), which emphasises memorising vocabulary in isolation rather than fostering communication in different meaningful situations. The study's implications and limitations were addressed.