Adaptation and Validation of Second Language Students’ Speaking Anxiety Scale
Keywords:
Students’ Speaking Anxiety; English as a Second Language; Adaptation; ValidationAbstract
Understanding the factors that contribute to speaking anxiety is essential for vocational students, as this anxiety factor can significantly impact their speaking performance in English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. However, validated instruments tailored to this subject remain limited. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Students’ Speaking Anxiety Scale (SSAS) for 274 students enrolled at the six vocational colleges (VC) in Sarawak, Malaysia, with the goal of identifying the factors these students perceived as contributing to their speaking anxiety. The adaptation and validation process were conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify the three potential dimensions of the scale: Communication Apprehension, Fear of Negative Evaluation, and Test Anxiety. Phase 2 applied confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the scale’s robust overall fit. The results showed high internal consistency, along with strong construct, convergent and discriminant validity. Overall, these findings offer empirical evidence supporting the SSAS as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing speaking anxiety among VC students and guiding future efforts to improve their speaking performance in ESL settings.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.11.11
References
Abdul Latif, L. (2021). Graduates Need Good Communication Skill. In K.A. Razali (ed.). Research in English for Communication (pp. 1-12). Malaysia: Kulliyyah of Languages & Management (KLM).
Achanan, A., S., Ramuloo, P., & Rita Mohamad, A. (2021). Second Language Speaking Anxiety Among Tesl Undergraduates in a Private University. Selangor Humaniora Review, 5(2), 2672–7463.
Adickalam, E. R., & Md Yunus, M. (2022). The Effects of Collaborative Tasks on The Speaking Skills of Malaysian Adolescents in an ESL Classroom. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v11-i2/13887
Ahmed, R., Panda, B. K., & Sinha, M. (2025). Adaptation and validation of academic resilience scale in Bengali. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 14(2), 947–960. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i2.30113
Alidoost, Y., Mirchenari, N. A. N., & Mehr, S. H. (2013). The effects of anxiety on Iranian EFL learners’ performance on final achievement test in English classes of high schools. International Journal of Language Learning and Applied Linguistics World, 4, 284–292.
Anthony, S.A.L. (2023). Among ESL Secondary Students: Insights from a Malaysian Secondary School (Bachelor of Arts Dissertation). Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman).
Awang, Z. (2012). Research Methodology and Data Analysis. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.
Awang, Z., Afthanorhan, W.M.A.W., Lim S.H., & Zainudin, N. F. S. (2023). SEM Made Simple 2.0 A Gentle Approach of Structural Equation Modelling. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Kuala Nerus.
Awang, Z., Lim S.H., & Zainudin, N.F.S. (2018). Pendekatan Mudah SEM. Bandar Baru Bangi: MPWS Rich Resources.
Bahadur, A.A.M.Y., & Hashim, F. (2024). From Fear to Fluency : Exploring English Speaking Anxiety and Communication Willingness in UKM Undergraduates. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v9i11.3106
Baharum, H., Ismail, A., Awang, Z., McKenna, L., Ibrahim, R., Mohamed, Z., & Hassan, N. H. (2023). Validating an Instrument for Measuring Newly Graduated Nurses’ Adaptation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20042860
Baistaman, J., Awang, Z., Afthanorhan, A., & Zulkifli Abdul Rahim, M. (2020). Developing and Validating the Measurement Model for Financial Literacy Construct Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 8(2), 413–422. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2020.8247
Bergmann, C., Sprenger, S. A., & Schmid, M. S. (2015). The impact of language co-activation on L1 and L2 speech fluency. Acta Psychologica, 161, 25–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2015.07.015
Botes, E., Van Der Westhuizen, L., Dewaele, J. M., Macintyre, P., & Greiff, S. (2022). Validating the Short-form Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale. Applied Linguistics, 43(5), 1006–1033. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amac018
Brown, T. A. (2015). Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Appplied Research (2nd ed). New York: The Guilford Press.
Che Musa, N., Koo, Y.L., & Azman, H. (2012). Exploring English Language Learning and Teaching in Malaysia. GEMA OnlineTM Journal of Language Studies, 12, 35–51.
Clark, V.L.P. & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding Research A Consumer’s Guide (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
Costello, A.B., & Osborne, J. (2005). Best practices in exploratory factor analysis: four recommendations for getting the most from your analysis. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 10(7). https://doi.org/10.7275/jyj1-4868
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed).
Dani, R. M., Mansor, N., Awang, Z., & Afthanorhan, A. (2022). a Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Fraud Pentagon Instruments for Measurement of Fraud in the Context of Asset Misappropriation in Malaysia. Journal of Social Economics Research, 9(2), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.18488/35.v9i2.3063
Dewaele, J.-M., & Al-Saraj, T. M. (2015). Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety of Arab learners of English: The effect of personality, linguistic and sociobiographical variables. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 5(2), 205–228. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2015.5.2.2
Dewaele, J. M., & Macintyre, P. D. (2016). Foreign Language Enjoyment and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety: The Right and Left Feet of the Language Learner. Positive Psychology in SLA, April, 215–236. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783095360-010
Enders, C. K. (2003). Using the Expectation Maximization Algorithm to Estimate Coefficient Alpha for Scales with Item-Level Missing Data. Psychological Methods, , 8(3):322–337. https://doi.org/10.1037/1082-989X.8.3.322.
Felicity, M. (2018). The Effect of Language Learning Anxiety on English Oral Performance. International Journal of English Language Teaching, 6(3), 20–33. https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v9i3p337
Francis, K., Mutty, B., Kaur, M., Kunalan, R., & Mohd Anis, N. (2020). Undergraduates’ Awareness and Obstacles on English Language Speaking Skill. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling, 5(34). https://doi.org/10.35631/ijepc.5340014
Fuad, D.R.S.M., Musa, K., Yusof, M.R., & Swart, B. (2025). Validation of principal's innovation leadership scale using factor analysis in Malaysian school context. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 14(3). 1790. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i3.30397
Hair Jr, J.F., Black, W. C., Babin, B.J., & Anderson, R.E. (2019). Multivariate Data Analysis (8th ed).
Hoque, A. S. M. M., & Awang, Z. (2016). Exploratory Factor Analysis of Entrepreneurial Marketing: Scale Development and Validation in the SME Context of Bangladesh Strategic information systems sophistication and strategic performance of Islamic Banks: The Role of User Information Systems Exper. Proceedings of the International Social Sciences and Tourism Research Conference 2016, April 2016. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320809326
Hoque, A. S. M., Siddiqui, B. A., Awang, Z., & Baharu, S. M. A. . (2018). Exploratory Factor Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation in The Context of Bangladeshi Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES). European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies, 3(2), 81–94. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1292331
Horwitz, E.K., Horwitz, M.B., & Cope, J. (1986). Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety. The Modern Language Journal, 70(2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1986.tb05256.x
Huang, Y.-W. (2014). Self and Language Anxiety. English Language and Literature Studies, 4(2), 66–77. https://doi.org/10.5539/ells.v4n2p66
Idrus, H., & Salleh, R. (2017). Perceived Self-efficacy of Malaysian ESL Engineering and Technology Students on their Speaking Ability and Its Pedagogical Implications. The English Teacher, 37(1993), 61–75.
Jamil, M. R. M., Hashim, A. T. M., Othman, M. S., Ahmad, A. M., Noh, N. M., & Kamal, M. F. M. (2023). Digital Pedagogy Policy in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia: Fuzzy Delphi Approach. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 15(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.02.001
Kaiser, H.F. (1974). Analysis of factorial simplicity. Psychometrika, 39(1), 31-36.
Kandar, A. L. (2014). Kemahiran Employability Dalam Kalangan Pelajar Kolej Vokasional Kluang Johor (Ijazah Sarjana Pendidikan). Universiti Tun Hussein Onn.
Kannan, R. (2009). Difficulties in learning English as a second language. ESP World, 8(5).
Khanal, B., & Chhetri, D. B. (2024). A Pilot Study Approach to Assessing the Reliability and Validity of Relevancy and Efficacy Survey Scale. Janabhawana Research Journal, 3(1), 35–49. https://doi.org/10.3126/jrj.v3i1.6838
Khasbani, I., & Student, P. (2018). Revealing Teachers' Motivational Strategy in Indonesian EFL Classrooms. European Journal of English Language Teaching, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1291457
Kianinezhad, N. (2014). Foreign Language Anxiety in Teachers. Journal of English Language Teaching and Literature, 5(1), 123–143.
Kline, R. B. (2005). Principles and Practice of Structural Equation Modeling. Guildford Press.
Kline, R. B. (2023). Assumptions in structural equation modeling. In R. Hoyle (ed.), Handbook of structural equation modeling (2nd ed., pp. 128–144). Guilford Press.
Krejcie, R.V., & Morgan, D.W. (1970). Determining sample size for research activities. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 30(3), 607-610.
Krishnan, I. A., Ching, H. S., Ramalingam, S., & Maruthai, E. (2019). An investigation of communication skills required by employers from the fresh graduates. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 27(3), 1507–1524.
Kucuk, T. (2023). Factors Leading to Writing Anxiety in EFL Classes. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v10i1p1
Kucuk, T., & Daskan, A. (2023). Factors Leading to Writing Anxiety in EFL Classes. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v10i1p1
Latif, M. (2020). Pemerkasaan TVET di Malaysia Satu Tinjauan – TVET and Sustainable Development.
Leong, L.M., & Ahmadi, S. M. (2017). An Analysis of Factor Influencing Learners’ English Speaking Skill. International Journal of Research in English Education, 2(2), 1.
Liu, M., & Huang, W. (2011). An Exploration of Foreign Language Anxiety and English Learning Motivation. Education Research International, 2011, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/493167
MacIntyre, P., & Gregersen, T. (2012). Affect: the role of language anxiety and other emotions in language learning. In S. Mercer, S. Ryan & M. Williams (eds.), Psychology for Language Learning (pp.103–118). London: Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137032829_8.
Mackiewicz, J. (2018). Writing Center Talk Over Time. Sage Publications. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429469237-3
Mat, S. S. C., & Yunus, M. M. (2014). Attitudes and Motivation Towards Learning English among FELDA School Students. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 8(5), 1–8. http://ajbasweb.com/old/ajbas/2014/Special 2/1-8.pdf
McGunagle, D., & Zizka, L. (2020). Employability skills for 21st-century STEM students: the employers’ perspective. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 10(3), 591–606. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-10-2019-0148
Mehar Singh, M.K. (2021). English Language Communicative Competence of University English Language Communicative Competence of. Journal of Social Sciences and Hunmanities, .18(January), 67–81.
Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2011). Strategic Plan for Vocational Education Transformation.
Mohamad, M., Afthanorhan, A., Awang, Z., & Mohammad, M. (2019). Comparison between CB-SEM and PLS-SEM: Testing and confirming the Maqasid Syariah quality of life measurement model. Journal of Social Sciences Research, 5(3), 608–614. https://doi.org/10.32861/jssr.53.608.614
Mohd Rodzi, R., Ahmad Basri, N. E., & Mohd Nopiah, Z. (2023). Language Translation from English to Malay in Solid Waste Engineering. Jurnal Kejuruteraan, 35(4), 857–867. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkukm-2023-35(4)-08
Muda, M., Loganathan, N., Awang, Z., Jusoh, H., & Baba, Z. S. (2018). Application of Theory, Methodology and Analysis in Conducting Research A Practical Guide to Quantitative Research and Thesis Writing. Kuala Terengganu: Penerbit Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.
Mulyono, W. D., Suparji, A. W., & Adistana, G. A. Y. P. (2023). The influence of communication and teamwork skills on the work readiness of vocational high school students. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 21(3), 1–6.
Nadesan, N. K., & Md. Shah, P. (2020). Non-Linguistic Challenges Faced by Malaysian Students in Enhancing Speaking Skills. Creative Education, 11(10), 1988–2001. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2020.1110145
Nasir, A. N. M., Ahmad, A., Udin, A., Wahid, N. H. A., & Suhairom, N. (2020). Vocational college’s students preferences on practical teaching methods for electronic subject. Journal of Technical Education and Training, 12(3 Special Issue), 180–188. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2020.12.03.019
Nayan, S., & Nayan, S. (2024). The Importance of Employability Skills to TVET and non-TVET Graduates. Jurnal Intelek, 19(2). http://10.24191/ji.v19i2.26513
Ne’Matullah, K. F., Lim, S.P., & Roslan, S.A. (2023). Speaking English in job interviews increases employability opportunities: Malaysian employer’s perspectives. International Journal of Language, Literacy and Translation, 6(2), 166–178. https://doi.org/10.36777/ijollt2022.6.2.085
Noor, N. M., Aziz, A. A., Mostapa, M. R., & Awang, Z. (2015). Validation of the Malay version of the inventory of functional status after childbirth questionnaire. BioMed Research International, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/972728
Nunnally, J. C., & Bernstein, I. H. (1994). Psychometric Theory ed.3. New York: McGraw Hill.
Oluwatayo, J. A. (2012). Validity and Reliability Issues in Educational Research. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2(May), 391–400. https://doi.org/10.5901/jesr.2012.v2n2.391
Pérez-Paredes, P., & Martínez-Sánchez, F. (2001). A Spanish version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale: Revisiting Aida’s factor analysis. Resla, 14(May), 337–352. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=871315
Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2006). The content validity index: are you sure you know what's being reported? Critique and recommendations. Research in Nursing & Health, 29(5), 489-497, https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147
Quispe-Sanca, R. V., Arteta-Sandoval, G., Quispe-Sanca, D., & Morales-García, W. C. (2024). Validation of a Spanish version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale in Peruvian secondary education students. Frontiers in Education, 9(May), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1394157
Rahlin, N.A., Awang, A, Afthanorhan, W.M.A.W., & Aimran, N. (2019). Antecedents and Consequences of Employee Safety Climate in the Small Manufacturing Enterprises : Translation , Validation and Application of the Generic Safety Climate Questionnaire. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 5(2),104-108.
Rahmat, N., Ayub, A. R., & Buntat, Y. (2016). Employability skills constructs as job performance predictors for Malaysian polytechnic graduates : A qualitative study. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space 12, 12(3), 154–167.
Reichenheim, M. E., & Moraes, C. L. (2007). Operationalizing the cross-cultural adaptation of epidemological. Rev Saúde Pública, 41(4), 1–9.
Richards, J. C., & Renandya, W. A. (2002). Methodology in Language Teaching: An Anthology of Current Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Riquelme-Mella, E., Miranda-Zapata, E., Moncada-Retamal, L., Muñoz-Yévenes, P., & Valdés-Cruz, C. (2015). Validez Faactorial De La Versión En Español Del Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) En Estudiantes Chilenos De Educación Secundaria. E strés, 2015, 21(2-3), 169-179.
Safiih, M.L., & Nor Azreen, M. A. (2016). Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach: A Case Study of Mathematics Students’ Achievement in TIMSS. Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences, 10(May), 41–51.
Salkind, N. J. (2012). Exploring Research (8th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Sangoseni, O., Hellman, M., & Hill, C. (2013). Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Effect of Online Learning on Behaviors, Attitudes, and Clinical Practices of Physical Therapists in the United States Regarding Evidenced-based Clinical Practice. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, September, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.46743/1540-580x/2013.1439
Saunders, M., & Lewis, P. (2012). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education.
Sava?ç?, M. (2014). Why are Some Students Reluctant to Use L2 in EFL Speaking Classes? An Action Research at Tertiary Level. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 2682–2686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.635
Sekaran, U., & Bougie. (2016). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-building Approach (7th ed). John Wiley & Sons.
Secretariat of the National TVET Council. (2024). National TVET Policy 2030. https://mohon.tvet.goc.my/manual/MTVET DASAR TVET NEGARA 2030. pdf.
Shkeer, A. S., & Awang, Z. (2019). Exploring the Items for Measuring the Marketing Information System Construct: an Exploratory Factor Analysis. International Review of Management and Marketing, 9(6), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.32479/irmm.8622
Sim, S., Lin, P., Yih, Y. J., Lau, K., & Long, Y. (2020). English Language Speaking Anxiety among Students from Two Public Universities in Sarawak. International Journal of Service Management and Sustainability, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/ijsms.v5i1.9862
Singh, A. K. J., & Harun, R. N. S. R. (2020). Industrial trainees learning experiences of english related tasks at the workplace. Studies in English Language and Education, 7(1), 22–42. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v7i1.16064
Sireci, S. G., & Berberoglu, G. (2000). Using bilingual respondents to evaluate translated-adapted items. Applied Measurement in Education, 13(3), 229–248. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324818AME1303_1
Siripipatthanakul, S., Shakor, M.Y., Phuangsuwan, P., & Chaiprakarn, S. (2023). English Language Learning Obstacles to Second Language English Learners: A Review Article. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 2960–3722. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7456051
Syed Chear, S. L., & Arifin, M. (2024). Technical and Vocational Education and Training Prospect for Higher Learning Institution. Quantum Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 5(3), 144–160. https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v5i3.377
Tanielian, A. R. (2014). Foreign language anxiety in a new English program in Thailand. International Education Journal, 13(1), 60–81.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Division in Malaysia. (2018). English for Communication Syllabus.
Ting, S.H., Marzuki, E., Chuah, K.M., & Misieng, J. (2017). Employers’ view on the importance of English proficiency and communication skill for employability in Malaysia. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 7(2), 315–327. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v7i2.8132
Tóth, Z. (2008). A foreign language anxiety scale for Hungarian learners of English. WoPaLP 2, 55–78 doi: 10.61425/wplp.2008.02.55.78.
Traymbak, S., Sharma, A., & Dutta, M. (2022). Reliability and Construct Validity Assessment of Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale and Satisfaction With Life Scale in the Indian Hospitality Industry. Annals of Neurosciences, 29(2–3), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1177/09727531221100249
Triwidyati, H., & Tentama, F. (2020). Validity and reliability construct of subjective well being scale - Repository Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 51(20), 191–200. http://eprints.uad.ac.id/20150/
Uakarn, C., Kajohnsak, C., & Nittaya, S. (2021). Sample Size Estimation using Yamane and Cochran and Krejcie and Morgan and Green Formulas and Cohen Statistical Power Analysis by G*Power and Comparisons. Apheit International Journal, 10(2), 77–88.
Wang, S. I. C., & Liu, E. Z. F. (2024). Validating Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale for High School Students. International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design, 14(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJOPCD.338323
Yang, X., Yeo, K. J., Lee, S. H., Wong, B. Y., & Handayani, L. (2025). Development and validation of doctoral student social support perception scale. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 14(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v14i1.30920
Yusof, Y., Jusoff, K., Ibrahim, Y., & Awang, Z. (2017). The influence of green practices by non-green hotels on customer satisfaction and loyalty in hotel and tourism industry. International Journal of Green Economics, 11(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijge.2017.10003675
Zakaria, M. I., & Hanid, M. F. A. (2023). Validity of instrument to measure primary school mathematics teachers’ acceptance of m-learning applications. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 12(4), 2085–2092. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i4.26272
Zamri, S.Z.Z.M., & Hashim, F. (2023). Examining the Relationship Between Speaking Anxiety in English and OverallEnglish Proficiency Among ELS Undergraduates In UKM. Jurnal Wacana Sarjana, 7(2), 1–14.
Zhang, S., & Lai, C. (2023). Investigations of factors underlying foreign language classroom anxiety in Chinese university English majors. Applied Linguistic Review, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.1515/applirev-2021-0062
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rita Wong Chui Hung, Suyansah Swanto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All articles published by IJLTER are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives 4.0 International License (CCBY-NC-ND4.0).
