Ethiopian Civil Service College Students' Views about Classroom Activities of Spoken English
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Date
1999-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study is aimed at exploring students' views about Spoken English
activities offered at Ethiopian Civil Service College (ECSC), the purpose of which
is to see if there is a mismatch between the activities and the assumption held by
the students regarding why they learn the language and how and what they expect
to learn.
In an effort to investigate the students' views, their attitudes towards the
activities as well as their expectations and beliefs are examined. This is done
through questionnaire and interview prepared for the students. Classroom
observation is also made to see the reactions of the students to the activities as well
as their performances and the efforts they show to do the activities. In an attempt
to examine the students' perceptions of the activites from different directions, the
Spoken English instructors are asked of their observations about the attitude and
performance of the students.
Although there is found to be some extent of disparity in how the students
expect to learn the subject and what the activities entail, the finding of the study
shows the students' difficulties as having emanated mainly from other areas rather
than the supposed mismatch. Thus, the students' problems with the vocabulary and
grammar of the language and also their lack of experience with speaking and
listening practices are found to be the predominant obstacles for the students not to
avail themselves of the activities.
In view of this, suggestion is made for the inclusion of the use of vocabulary
and structure of the language which are necessary for the students to express their
ideas in relation to the various topics. Practice of the speaking and listening skills
with added time is also recommended as being helpful for the students to make a
better use of the activities.
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Keywords
Classroom Activities