A Study On The Problems That Affect Students’ English Speaking Skill: Homecho Secondary School In Focus, Snnpr
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Date
2015-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of this action research was planned problems that affect students’ English speaking skill in
Homecho secondary school of Haddiya zone in Gibe woreda. To this end, a descriptive method was
employed by using both quantitative and qualitative approach. The sample population of the study
includes 100 students and 5 teachers of the target school.They were selected using simple random
sampling techniques.
The data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews and classroom observation. The
questionnaires were used to study the current students’ participation level and teachers; students;
classroom and instructional material related constraints, with respect to the learning of English speaking
skills. The interview and classroom observation supplemented the data obtained through the
questionnaires. Statistical tool such as numbers and percentage were used to analyze the collected data.
The result of the study revealed that the current level of the students’ participation in English speaking
class of the target grade is low, due to the fact that class were mostly teacher dominated. Accordingly, it
was found the majority of students were supposed to listen to their teachers’ talk rather than actively
involved in various classroom speaking activities. Besides, the main factors influencing the learning of
English speaking skills in the target grade level were found to be the problems related to teachers,
students, classroom and instructional materials.
The findings indicated the existence of problems related to teachers, such as belief about language
teaching, lack of training, teaching methodology, inability to provide classroom oral activity, teachers’
perceptions and proficiency, testing system, way of error correction and failure to use teaching aids in
speaking classes.The findings also revealed the problems related to students, like belief about language
learning, lack of confidence, lack of participation, poor speaking background and use of mother tongue,
shortage of vocabulary and lack of practice in speaking skill in a class. The study also indicated the
problems related with classroom and instructional materials like large number of students in a class,
unsuitability of seating arrangement for pair and group work and lack of access to teaching aids.
Finally, on the basis of the findings, it was recommended that in order to improve students’ participation,
above all, students have to practice speaking in the target language by participating in pair or group and
individual activities in the classroom. To this end, teachers also ought to play prominent role. That is,
they should use modern methodologies which give room for students’ active participation. On the other
hand, to promote students’ learning of English speaking skill, both English teachers and students have to
play their appropriate role, students’ learning of English speaking skills. Besides, the concerned bodies
need to deal with the problem of large class size and instructional materials related factors to alleviate
the problem.
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Study On The Problems