FACTORS INFLUENCING ENGLISH LISTENING COMPETENCY: A CASE STUDY OF ESL LEARNERS AT O’AMBEL HIGH SCHOOL, BANTEAY MEANCHEY, CAMBODIA

Abstract

In language learning, there are four macro skills to learn and improve time by time and little by little, on which learners have to acquire. Listening skills play a crucial role in learning a foreign language in general, particularly English language learning, in addition to communication. However, many English learners find listening skills the most difficult in their language-learning journey. Therefore, this paper is conducted to investigate the listening competency of English learners at O’Ambel High School in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia and to identify the most significant factors affecting their English listening competency. Listening Test and Structured Questionnaires were used to collect the data from 133 students in grade 10 at O’Ambel High School. Multi Linear Regression, T-test, and Descriptive Statistics were used to interpret the data collected. Based on the findings by analysing Multi Linear Regression, the three most significant factors influencing their English listening competency were Prior Knowledge, Accent and Pronunciation of Native Speaker and Private Class. Although Gender was insignificant, the study revealed that the female students got better test scores than the male students.