Typing Not Talking? Gen Z Learners' Avoidance of Speaking English in Online Classes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i2.12774Keywords:
Online classes; Speaking Anxiety; Generation Z; English Learning; Descriptive SurveyAbstract
Digital communication is progressing and students of Generation Z are still involved in learning English. But many students prefer to type rather than talk, even in synchronous online classes where they are expected to interact directly by talking. The aim of this study is to investigate the primary reasons behind Generation Z students’ hesitation to speak English in synchronous online EFL classes. This descriptive mixed-method study was done on forty English Language Education students from Universitas Islam Darul ‘Ulum Lamongan. Data were collected by means of an online questionnaire comprising twelve Likert scale statements and three open-ended questions distributed via Google Forms. The quantitative results showed consistently high mean scores for speaking anxiety, preference for text-based communication, and fear of making mistakes. Qualitative findings supported these results through four core themes: fear of negative evaluation, preference for textual format, technical and environmental barriers, and the need for pedagogical support.
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