scholarly journals The Use of Critical Thinking Activities through Workshops to improve EFL Learners' Speaking Skills

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 444-460
Author(s):  
Eliana Pinza-Tapia ◽  
Vanessa Toro ◽  
Karina Salcedo-Viteri ◽  
Fabian Paredes
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Public High Schools ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Tenth Grade ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Speaking Skills

Speaking is considered to be the most complex skill to master by EFL (English as a foreign language) learners. Unfortunately, Ecuadorian students do not reach the desired speaking level. To address this issue, this mixed-method study aims at identifying the impact of critical thinking activities through workshops, in order to improve learners’ speaking skills.  This study was conducted at public high schools in the different provinces of Ecuador. The sample consisted of 635 students from the tenth grade of elementary school and the first and second grades of senior high school. The data-collection instruments were a pre-test, and a post-test, to find out the students´ CEFR speaking level, and an observation grid to discover students’ attitude and performance concerning oral communication skills. Additionally, five different workshops, based on the use of critical thinking activities were carried out. The results led us to the conclusion that critical thinking workshops have a positive impact on students’ speaking skills. They allowed students to use accurate grammar, vocabulary, and to improve their fluency and pronunciation, in order to communicate their ideas orally.

scholarly journals Debating Techniques in Language Learning to Trigger Students’ Communication in English and Critical Thinking

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasyir Fahmi Mubaraq
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
World Englishes ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Parliamentary Systems ◽  
Expanding Circle ◽  
Speaking Skills

Being communicative has always been the crucial matter in any languages. People cannot be saidbeing able to use a language unless they can produce it. Some approaches of learning have also been raised all the time but the purpose of language for communication is hardly achieved by the foreign language learners. One of the problems is that students are too afraid in giving their opinions. Debating is one way to force our students to interact by using English and think critically. In a debate, students are divided into PRO and CON sides to criticize the issue given. By having a debate students can convey their ideas in certain issues along side with building their critical thinking. The idea of having a debate in the classroom is surely one of techniques in the teaching of English. This study tries to elaborate how some debate activities might be brought into classroom by always considering the varieties of Englishes that Indonesia belongs to. According to Kachru (1988:5), Indonesia is grouped into the expanding circle of World Englishes. Thus, the modified version of British, Australian, and Asian Parliamentary systems of debate are introduced for the sake of enhancing students’ speaking skills by always tolerating and exploiting the uniqueness of Indonesian Englishes

scholarly journals TEACHING GRAMMAR TO YOUNG LEARNERS USING COMIC STRIPS AND GTM AND THE IMPACT ON THEIR SPEAKING SKILLS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Edy Suseno
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Comic Strips ◽  
Grammatical Aspect ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Electronic Dictionary ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Appropriate Sentences ◽  
Teaching Grammar ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Speaking Skills

Practicing speaking in EFL to the young learners especially to the fifth graders is challenging. They do not have enough vocabulary in their repertoire so that it is often difficult for them express their ideas in the foreign language.They also could not construct appropriate sentences to reflect how well they have learnt so far. For this reason, the implementation of the grammar-translation method may be needed to help them focus on grammatical aspect of the foreign language to enhance their perspective in learning grammar and reading comprehension. Moreover, the use of books, podcast, comic strips and electronic dictionary could support the process of treatment. By implementing this kind of method, the students could enhance their speaking skills. They also have the opportunity to experience with language use and support their progress in speaking. This kind of development could be seen from the result of the pre-test and post-test. The progress of development was significant which reflect the positive impact of comic strips and GTM on children speaking skills

scholarly journals The Impact of Information Gap Activities on Young EFL Learners’ Oral Fluency

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Antonio Ortiz-Neira
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Eighth Graders ◽  
Public High School ◽  
Oral Fluency ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Post Test ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
The Impact

This study adopted a mixed method approach with an action research design. The aim was to determine the impact of information gap activities on young English as a foreign language learners’ oral fluency. Information gap activities were based on the communicative approach as well as on task-based learning. Twenty-three eighth graders participated in this action research. The students were immersed in a multicultural and at-risk context in a public high school in southern Chile. Their English-speaking level fluctuated between A1 and A2. The technique was applied over the course of a semester (ten weeks). Data were collected by applying a pre-test, post-test, and focus group questionnaire. Results suggest an improvement in oral fluency and a positive perception of the technique used during the intervention.

scholarly journals The Impact of Dialogic Teaching on English Language Learners’ Speaking and Thinking Skills

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Ishraga Bashir Mohammed Elhassan ◽  
Mohammed Idris Adam
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Significant Issue ◽  
Dialogic Teaching ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Speaking Skills

This paper aims to investigate the influence of dialogic teaching on the development of the learners' speaking skills and critical thinking. It is questioning why Sudanese tertiary students are unable to express themselves efficiently and comfortably. This seems crucial and imperative for a college student and it shouldn’t shape any obstacle as a prerequisite for future development. Accordingly, this paper poses a significant issue that every learner of English needs to ponder. To collect data for the study, three tools has been used; a questionnaire, an interview and an observational checklist. The questionnaire was distributed throughout the students of second, third and fourth year university students who had been selected from different Sudanese universities. The collected data is analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Data analysis has shown that dialogic teaching enables students to develop the skills of argumentation, questioning and debate which contribute to the development of their critical thinking and speaking skills. Generally, the findings indicate that authentic dialogic teaching components are effective if students are given enough time to practice its skills. Hence recommendations for exposing learners to a variety of medium of speaking like dialogues, debate, argumentation and questioning are made to facilitate teachers to be more well-informed with dialogic teaching approach.

scholarly journals Apports de la télésérie à l’amélioration de la compétence d’expression orale du FLE à l’école normale.

2020 ◽  
pp. 94-116
Author(s):  
E. S. K. Afari ◽  
C. A. A. Yegblemenawo
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
French Language ◽  
Colleges Of Education ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Communication Competencies ◽  
Oral Expression ◽  
Education In Ghana ◽  
The Impact

Following series of observation and interactions with French students in Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga, it was discovered that the said students find it difficult expressing themselves orally using the most basic sentences in French. This raises serious concerns about the teaching strategies being employed in teaching and learning of the French language in the Colleges of Education. To address this difficulty, this research was conducted with the main objective to examine the impact of the use of serial movies as teaching aid on oral expression of French language learners in Colleges of Education in Ghana with the aid of smartphones. The data were gathered from the Department of French in Gbewaa Colleges of Education. Three instruments (observation, interview and test) were used in this research. A two group (control and experimental) experimental design was adopted. The mean scores of participants‟ pre-test and post-test were compared to verify if the use of serial movies in French lessons could enhance the learners‟ oral communication skills. It was discovered that the use of serial movies in teaching French boosts learners‟ performance in oral communication. The research hence recommends that serial movies could be used in teaching French language lessons in order to enhance the oral communication competencies among learners

Improving Communicative Competence Levels of Pre-Service Teachers Through Spoken-Based Reflection Instruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 002205742110445
Author(s):  
Chinaza Solomon Ironsi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Listening And Speaking ◽  
Speaking Skills

This study investigated the use of spoken-reflection instruction to improve the communicative competence level of English as Foreign Language learners in a second language acquisition classroom. A listening and speaking test was administered before and after the study to determine the participants’ level of speaking competence. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study. A 3-credit unit language course was designed and implemented for the study. The course was built on the core principles of reflective practice. Participants were taught using the normal language teaching method and spoken-based reflection instruction. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 65 English as Foreign Language learners who willingly participated in the study. At the end of the course, a questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants about their perceptions of using spoken-based reflection instruction to improve their speaking skills. In addition, participants were administered a Reflection-Listening, and Speaking Skills Test before and after each experimental phase to determine whether their listening and speaking skills had improved. Most learners found the use of spoken reflections to be a fun way to learn. However, they expressed anxiety about doing teacher-student reflection because they felt intimidated by the presence of their language teacher, although sending recordings of their reflections to their teachers was more convenient than interacting with them on a one-to-one basis.

scholarly journals The Impact of Oral and Written Feedback on EFL Writers With the Use of Screencasts

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Alvira
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Private University ◽  
Written Feedback ◽  
Oral Feedback ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Results

<p>This article, based on an action research study performed at a Colombian middle-sized private university, proposes specific strategies to provide feedback to English as a foreign language learners and uses a Web 2.0 tool called screencasting. The findings of the study suggest that the use of coded, written, and oral feedback is widely accepted by students and yields positive results in the improvement of their writing skills at the paragraph level, and that the use of screencasting is a promising strategy that is motivational to students and increases the quality of their uptake.</p>

scholarly journals Is it Worth Flipping? The Impact of Flipped Classroom on EFL Students’ Grammar

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishaq Salim Al-Naabi
Keyword(s):  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intact Group ◽  
English Grammar ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

In light of contemporary pedagogical methods, the flipped classroom has been recognised as an effective pedagogy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This study employed a quasi-experimental one-group research design to investigate the impact of flipped learning on Omani EFL learners&rsquo; grammar and to examine students&rsquo; perceptions on the flipped classroom. An intact group of students (n=28) enrolled at the foundation programme in Arab Open University-Oman was randomly selected. Seven videos on English grammar were developed and shared with the students prior to the class. A varaiety of activities were conducted in the class following task-based language teaching. Students met for 8 lessons over the period of 8 weeks. Pre-test, post-test and semi-structured interviews were used in the study. The findings indicated that flipped learning had a positive impact on students&rsquo; understanding and usage of English grammar. Students&rsquo; perceptions on the flipped approach were positive. The study also provided pedagogical insights for the flipped classroom and recommendations for future research.&nbsp;

scholarly journals Do EFL Learners Enhance Their knowledge of Their Home Cultures as a Result of comparing them with other Cultures Through Project-Based Learning?

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (08) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akharraz Mohamad ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cultural Products ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

The existing research studies have revealed that project-based learning (PjBL) has significantly helped foreign language learners enhance their cultural understanding as a result of completing their projects (e.g., Bouchouk, 2017; Hsu, 2014; Kim, 2019; Liu et al., 2006; Ngo, 2014). While these studies have congruently proved the utility of PjBL in enhancing students’ cultural awareness, none of them has measured the effect of PjBL together with a comparative and contrastive approach on students’ understanding of their home cultures. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of comparing students’ home cultures with the English cultures through PjBL on students’ understanding of their own cultures in terms of cultural products, cultural practices, and cultural perspectives. Two similar intact groups were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups. The two groups were pretested, administered two different treatments for 24 weeks, and post-tested to assess their differences. The independent sample t-tests results exhibited that the experimental group substantially deepened their understanding of their home cultures as a result of comparing them with the English cultures through PjBL. The study also revealed that while the control group significantly improved their cultural products, those in the experimental group greatly enhanced their knowledge of cultural practices and perspectives.

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