Improving English Speaking Skills through Technology
Nancy Gemarino
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
Speaking is fundamental to human communication. Being able to communicate effectively is an integral life skill. The rapid advancement of digital technology has offered huge benefits in second or foreign language learning. Employing the quantitative experimental research design, this study sought to find out if the use of technology could enhance the speaking skills of the students. The study utilized an adapted speaking modules focusing on the speaking skills of the Grade 11 students. A speaking activity was used in a form of board game before the pre-test; the intervention and the post-test were given. The implementation of the modules was a scenario of read – listen – watch – think and speak. Each student was given a time to speak in different speaking activities in an effective and interactive way. The result revealed that the use of technology contributed to the improvement of the speaking skills of the students. There was a distinction if students experienced the use of technology by themselves. It was not only the speaking skills that were developed in them but their technology literacy as well. The study concluded that the use of technology could improve the speaking skills of the students.
References:
- Al Hosni, S. (2014). Speaking difficulties encountered by young EFL learners. International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), 2(6), 22-30. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samira_Al_Hosni/publication/270340628_Speaking_Difficulties_Encountered_by_Young_EFL_Learners/links/54a843470cf256bf8bb7e177/Speaking-Difficulties-Encountered-by-Young-EFL-Learners.pdf
- Anderson, N. J. (2003). Metacognitive reading strategies increase L2 performance. The Language Teacher, 27(7), 20-22. Retrieved from https://nccur.lib.nccu.edu.tw/bitstream/140.119/37302/6/51013206.pdf
- Bahadorfar, M., & Omidvar, R. (2014). Technology in teaching speaking skill. Acme International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(4), 9-13.
- Baker, J., & Westrup, H. (2003). Essential speaking skills. A&C Black. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=hnE8CwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
- Bashir, M., Azeem, M., & Dogar, A. H. (2011). Factor effecting students’ English speaking skills. British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 2(1), 34-50. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marriam_Bashir/publication/228840274_Factor_Effecting_Students'_English_Speaking_Skills/links/5588f15708ae8c4f340668ba.pdf
- Boonkit, K. (2010). Enhancing the development of speaking skills for non-native speakers of English. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 1305-1309. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042810002314
- Brown, G., & Yule, G. (1983). Teaching the spoken language (Vol. 2). Cambridge University Press.
- Celce-Murcia, M., Brinton, D. M., & Goodwin, J. M. (2010). Teaching pronunciation hardback with audio CDs (2): A course book and reference guide. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://www.tesol.org/docs/default-source/books/14038_sam.pdf?sfvrsn=2
- Coleman, D., Strafield, S., & Hagan, A. (2003). The attitudes of IELTS stakeholders: student and staff apperception of IELTS in Australian, UK, and Chinese tertiary institutions. IELTS Australia Research, 5, 20-34.
- Danilo, S. H., & Orale, R. L. (2016). Senior High School Curriculum in the Philippines, USA, and Japan. Journal of Academic Research, 1(03), 12-23. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318494693_Senior_High_School_Curriculum_in_the_Philippines_USA_and_Japan
- Derakhshan, A., Tahery, F., & Mirarab, N. (2015). Helping adult and young learners to communicate in speaking classes with confidence. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(2), 520. Retrieved from http://www.mcser.org/journal/index.php/mjss/article/view/5840
- Derakhshan, A., Tahery, F., & Mirarab, N. (2015). Helping adult and young learners to communicate in speaking classes with confidence. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 6(2), 520. Retrieved from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ells/article/viewFile/60070/32159
- Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2005). Second language accent and pronunciation teaching: A research‐based approach. Tesol Quarterly, 39(3), 379-397. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2307/3588486/abstract
- Direct Alert (2014), Direct alert national spot 30 second English. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twihgF0Jnvo
- Elite Prep (2014). Elite educational institute/preparation for college. Learning for life. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5IjISyeZSk
- Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books?hl=tl&lr=lang_en&id=coO0bxnBeRgC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=Ellis+2003+on+language+learning&ots=sWu525qEAV&sig=w9Uhl6MCh710v_GXVpSbbGv7R10&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Ellis%202003%20on%20language%20learning&f=false
- Gilakjani, A., Ahmadi, S., & Ahmadi, M. (2011). Why is pronunciation so difficult to learn? English Language Teaching, 4(3), 74. Retrieved from http://ijleal.ump.edu.my/images/volume4/IJLEAL004.SHAK_et_al.pdf
- Gilakjani, A., Ahmadi, S., & Ahmadi, M. (2011). Why is pronunciation so difficult to learn? English Language Teaching, 4(3), 74. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1080742.pdf
- Goh, C. C. (2016). Teaching speaking. In English language teaching today. Springer International Publishing. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-38834-2_11
- Hassan, E. M. I. (2014). Pronunciation problems: A case study of English language students at Sudan University of Science and Technology. English Language and Literature Studies, 4(4), 31. Retrieved from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ells/article/viewFile/42575/23274
- Harmer, J. (2001). English language teaching. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. Retrieved from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ells/article/viewFile/60070/32159
- Hautelook (2014). Hautelook TV commercial 2013. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125tDrwQVJY
- Hoge, A. J. (2013). Powerful English Speaking. Retrieved from http://effortlessenglishclub.com/pdf/Powerful%20English%20Speaking.pdf
- Holmes, D. (2004). Speaking activities for the classroom. Chulalongkorn University Press. Retrieved from http://www.finchpark.com/courses/tkt/Unit_08/speaking_activities.pdf
- Home Again Nevada (2014). 30-Second TV Commercial – English Version. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCt4LOCt4-4
- Hotels Combined.com (2015). HotelsCombined TV Commercial Australia, 30 Second. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhIpIuM99ak
- Hwang, W. Y., Shadiev, R., Hsu, J. L., Huang, Y. M., Hsu, G. L., & Lin, Y. C. (2016). Effects of storytelling to facilitate EFL speaking using Web-based multimedia system. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 29(2), 215-241. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09588221.2014.927367
- INNOTECH, S. (2012). K to 12 Toolkit: Resource Guide for Teacher Educators, School Administrators and Teachers. Quezon City: SEAMO INNOTECH. Retrieved from http://www.ssu.edu.ph/subdomains/ojs/index.php/JAR/article/view/54
- Iswara, A. A., Azib, A., & Rochsantiningsih, D. (2012). Improving students’ speaking fluency through the implementation of trivia-based activity in university students. Retrieved from http://eprints.uns.ac.id/13756/1/Publikasi_Jurnal_(81).pdf
- Iswara, A. A., Azib, A., & Rochsantiningsih, D. (2012). Improving students’ speaking fluency through the implementation of trivia-based activity in university students. Retrieved from https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/60183-EN-improving-students-speaking-fluency-thro.pdf
- Jack, R., & Richards, M. (2008). Teaching listening and speaking from theory to practice. Retrieved from: http://www.professorjackrichards.com/wp-content/uploads/teaching-listening-and-speaking-from-theory-to-practice.pdf
- Jenkins, J. (2004). Research in teaching pronunciation and intonation. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, 109-125.
- Kayi, H. (2012). Teaching speaking: Activities to promote speaking in a second language. Новейшиенаучныедостижения, 12. Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Kayi-TeachingSpeaking.html
- Kayi, H. (2006). Teaching Speaking. Journal of Activities to Promote Speaking in a Second Language. Retrieved from https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/bitstream/1234/189/1/90070.pdf
- Khamkhien, A. (2010). Teaching English speaking and English speaking tests in the Thai context: a reflection from Thai perspective. English Language Teaching, 3(1), 184. Retrieved from http://www.litu.tu.ac.th/journal/FLLTCP/Proceeding/166.pdf
- Klad’ko, N. (2009). Teaching speaking skills. Retrieved from http://eprints.kname.edu.ua/30316/1/76.pdf
- Klancar, N. I. (2006). Developing speaking skills in the young learner’s classroom. The Internet TESL Journal, 7(11).
- Krashen, S. (2002). Explorations in language acquisition and use: The Taipei lectures. Taipei: Crane Publishing Company.
- Lawtie, F. (2004). Teaching speaking skills 2-overcoming classroom problems. TEEditor
- Malallaha, S. (2000). English in an Arabic environment: current attitudes to English among Kuwait University students. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 3, 19-43.
- Mohanty, S. (2007). Technology in language classrooms: Filmmaking as a tool for developing life skills. Retrieved from http://www.nus.edu.sg/celc/research/books/3rdsymposium/097to106-seemita.pdf
- Neri, A., Cucchiarini, C., Strik, H., & Boves, L. (2002). The pedagogy-technology interface in computer-assisted pronunciation training. Computer-assisted language learning, 15(5), 441-467.
- Nomass, B. B. (2013). The impact of using technology in teaching English as a second language. English Language and Literature Studies, 3(1), 111. Retrieved from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.822.73&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- Parveen, B. W. (2016). Use of technology in improving speaking skills. Retrieved from http://joell.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/121-124-USE-OF-Technology-In-Improving-Speaking-Skills.Pdf
- Pawlak, M., Waniek-Klimczak, E., & Majer, J. (Eds.). (2011). Speaking and instructed foreign language acquisition (Vol. 57). Multilingual Matters. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.org.co/pdf/prf/v17n1/v17n1a09.pdf
- Qureshi, I. A. (2016). The importance of speaking skills for EFL learners. Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Speaking_Skills.pdf
- Richards, J. C. (2005). Communicative language teaching today. SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.
- Richards, J. C. (2008). Teaching listening and speaking. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/download/31209080/NF259470.pdf
- Riyaz, H., & Mullick, A. P. (2016). Problems in learning English speaking skill: A study of higher secondary students in Srinagar, India. International Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies. Retrieved from http://www.ijims.com/uploads/c06bf137f4c9f110af399.pdf
- Ross-Feldman, L. (2003). Second language acquisition in adults: From research to practice. Retrieved from http://www.cal.org/caela/tools/program_development/elltoolkit/Part2-41Interaction&Communication.pdf
- Shak, P., Lee, C. S., & Stephen, J. (2016). Pronunciation problems: A case study on English pronunciation errors of low proficient students. International Journal of Language Education and Applied Linguistics, 4. Retrieved from http://ijleal.ump.edu.my/images/volume4/IJLEAL004.SHAK_et_al.pdf
- Siegel, J. (2016). Pragmatic activities for the speaking classroom. In English Teaching Forum (Vol. 54, No. 1, pp. 12-19). US Department of State. Retrieved from https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/etf_54_1_pg12-19.pdf
- Somdee, M., & Suppasetseree, S. (2013). Developing English speaking skills of Thai undergraduate students by digital storytelling through websites. In 3rd International Conference Proceedings by LITU (No. 2). Retrieved from http://litu.tu.ac.th/FLLT2013/www.fllt2013.org/private_folder/Proceeding/166.pdf
- Tench, P. (2003). Non-native speakers’ misperceptions of English vowels and consonants: Evidence from Korean adults in UK. International Review of Applied Linguistics, 41, 145-173.
- Torky, S. A. E. F. (2016). The effectiveness of a task-based instruction program in developing the English language speaking skills of secondary stage students. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED523922.pdf
- Tuan, N. H., & Mai, T. N. (2015). Factors affecting students’ speaking performance at Le Thanh Hien High School. Asian Journal of Educational Research, 3(2), 8-23. Retrieved from http://www.multidisciplinaryjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/factors-affecting-students-speaking.pdf
- Varasarin, P. (2007). An action research study of pronunciation training, language learning strategies, and speaking confidence (Doctoral dissertation, Victoria University). Retrieved from http://vuir.vu.edu.au/1437/1/Varasarin.pdf
- Wongsuwana, T. (2006). Speech could be trained. Thailand Education Journal, 21, 44-50. Retrieved from http://www.litu.tu.ac.th/journal/FLLTCP/Proceeding/166.pdf
- Ybarra, R., & Green, T. (2003). Using technology to help ESL/EFL students develop language skills. The Internet TESL Journal, 9(3). Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Articles/Ybarra-Technology.html