Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Speaking Skills to the Yemeni EFL Learners at Aden University: A Case Study

Abstract

This study focused on Yemeni EFL learners of second-year level, Department of English, College of Education/Saber, Aden University. Yemeni learners started to study English in class seven at the age of about 14, and this is a problem for Yemeni EFL learners. Besides, Yemeni EFL learners’ problems were inadequate syllabus and inappropriate teaching materials of English-speaking skills course. The researchers identified a problem existing in the classroom. The learners in this college faced difficulties in their study of English-speaking skills at Aden University. This was because of their limited background in English. They felt anxiety and fear of making mistakes. The study’s main objective was to examine the difficulties faced by the Yemeni EFL learners in English-speaking skills course at Aden University. The study contributed to finding remedies to the Yemeni EFL learners’ problems in English -speaking skills. It would also help syllabus designers, teaching materials writers, learners, and teachers at Aden University. We conclude that the Yemeni EFL learners need enough time to practice English-speaking skills at Aden University. The current syllabus and teaching materials for teaching English-speaking skills need to be changed and developed to match the learners’ needs in the labor market.