Abstract:
The central intention of this research was to explore students’ participation in English
language the case of grade 10 at Biftu Gawo high school which is found in Kelem Wollega
zone Gawo Kebe district. To attain this objective, a descriptive survey research design was
employed. The sample consisted of 6 English language teachers and 64 students drawn from
640 grade 10 students of the respective school. Purposive sampling technique was used to
select the target school while comprehensive and stratified sampling techniques were
employed to select the sample teachers and students. In order to collect data from the
participants, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered. Then, the
data obtained using these tools were presented, analyzed and interpreted both quantitatively
and qualitatively. The data obtained from the questionnaires and the interview, were
presented and analyzed independently. Then, all the results of the items from these tools were
triangulated at the discussion section. Information on what EFL teachers and students hold
towards how students participate in classroom and what factors impede students’ classroom
participation in EFL classroom were obtained through the questionnaire and in-depth
interview of teachers and students. The research findings indicated that a considerable
number of students were reluctant to participate due to many causes such as low English
proficiency, fear of speaking in front of others, negative evaluation, shyness, lack of
confidence and preparation, and fear of making mistakes. All in all, from the comparison of
the male and female students’ participation, all these factors prevent the students to
participate. Based on the findings teachers should improve students’ participation by
devoting time and thought to shaping the environment and planning each class session.
Certainly, this study is not sufficient and consequently, further research will be conduct to
cover all aspects of this issue in order to seek strategies for surmounting among EFL high
school students
