Efl Classroom Oral Interaction And Its Realization Within Textbook-Based Oral Activities: Meki Upper Primarry Schools In Focus

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Date

2008-06

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AAU

Abstract

The study was carried out to explore EFL classroom oral interaction and its realization within textbook-based oral activities. To this end, two research questions have been developed: how teachers teach speaking skills, and the extent to which the oral activities presented in the textbook encourage classroom oral interaction. For this study, three upper primary government schools were chosen purposefully, as there are some private primary schools in the town. Then, ten teachers and 130 students filled in the questionnaire. In the interview, four teachers and six students participated. Three randomly selected classes were observed twice and the oral activities in the students' book were also evaluated. Then, the data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of the study revealed that classroom oral interaction most likely is devoid of learners' active participation. Students have been hardily confronted with the totality of language use (genuine classroom oral interaction), as classes were mainly teacher-fronted. Teachers' strict control over the lesson was found to be less likely to promote interaction and, thereby, to facilitate the evolvement of learning opportunities. In addition to the difficulty of oral activities in the textbook, lack and shortage of learning materials as well as insufficient time given for activities would impair the effectiveness of oral interaction. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that teachers be given professional development courses and intensive language improvement training. Furthermore, insight should be given to the appropriateness and distribution of learning/teaching materials (i.e. the syllabus, student's book, and teacher's book) by the bodies concerned.

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The study was carried out to explore EFL classroom oral interaction and its realization within textbook-based oral activities

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