Abstract
A good start in researching on language teaching and learning issues is to first analyse target learners’ actual performance and their needs. This mixed-methods 2-cycle study is aimed to analyse medical-college students’ language needs through two instruments—a self-rated report and a guided focus group. Out of the main four language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and writing), Cycle 1 aimed at exploring the most trouble-provoking skill for EMP students through a 7-item rating report with a sample of 45 participants. Based on the results of Cycle 1 which labelled speaking as the most problematic language skill for the target learners, Cycle 2 proceeded with 9 interviewees to narrow the study focus on the factors contributing to the inefficiency of speaking skills among EMP learners, discussing solutions from the learners’ perspectives. Pedagogically, this research helps practitioners innovate and integrate new techniques in language teaching and learning to overcome the issue of students’ speaking performance that has been deemed below expectations.
Highlights
Speaking is one of the main four language skills
Based on the results of Cycle 1 which labelled speaking as the most problematic language skill for the target learners, Cycle 2 proceeded with 9 interviewees to narrow the study focus on the factors contributing to the inefficiency of speaking skills among English for Medical Purposes (EMP) learners, discussing solutions from the learners’ perspectives
Data collected from the questionnaire were computed employing the calculation facilities equipped by SurveyMonkey
Summary
Speaking is one of the main four language skills (speaking, reading, listening, and writing). It is a communicating process of interaction which is the foundation of all relationships between humans. People who talk a language are called speakers of that language. Speaking is very crucial in second or foreign language learning. Mastering oral skills within the learning process is the most significant aspect of learning a language on which the whole process is assessed; based on the skill to perform a conversation in the target language (Leong & Ahmadi, 2017; Nunan, 1995). Out of the four main skills in language learning mentioned earlier, speaking looks to be the most significant one
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
