Investigating the Use of Action Research to Improve the Speaking Skill

Abstract

The speaking skill is crucially important in learning English as a foreign language. However, students often face difficulties when trying to speak English in order to communicate. Therefore, the effectiveness of action research in finding solutions for learners’ language problems is an issue that is gaining interest in the field of teaching English as a foreign language. The present study aims at exploring how teachers and learners do perceive the use of action research and its effectiveness in finding efficient solutions to ameliorate the speaking skill. It is hypothesized that if Action Research were used in Oral Expression classes, the students’ speaking skill would be improved. In order to achieve the preceding aims, two questionnaires were used. The first questionnaire was administered to a sample of sixty English students. The second one was distributed to eight oral expression teachers who teach second year classes at Mila University Centre. The results obtained from the teachers’ and students’ questionnaires reveal a positive perception from both; teachers and learners, wards using action research in speaking classrooms and its effectiveness in finding appropriate solutions for learners’ speaking problems.