Enhancing Oral English Communication Ability of Thai EFL Undergraduates via Interactive Reading Comprehension Teaching (IRCT)

Yaruingam Phungshok Shimray,Usa Intharaksa,Kemtong Sinwongsuwat,Patson Jaihow

doi:10.31014/aior.1993.04.01.179

Abstract

This paper reports on the effectiveness of Interactive Reading Comprehension Teaching (IRCT) in improving the oral English communication ability of Prince of Songkla University (PSU) undergraduates. It is based on a pre- and post-test quasi-experimental study employing IRCT, composed of self–study reading assignments and a structured peer-teaching project. The participants who were purposively sampled to partake in the study included 105 second- and third-year undergraduates from various faculties who were enrolled in a functional reading course, of which 46 was assigned to the control group and 49 was treated as the experimental group. One-on-one and group oral assessments were administered to both groups at the end of the course after IRCT implementation. The results showed IRCT had a very positive effect on the oral communication skills of the students in the experimental group, significantly improving their confidence and motivation toward speaking English. The students’ opinions from a questionnaire also revealed high speaking improvement, reinforced by evidence from close observations, interviews, and student work samples. IRCT was, therefore recommended as a reading-based approach to improving students’ oral English communication.

Highlights

BackgroundEnglish, an international language widely used for communicating in education, commerce and tourism, has been part of Thai education for decades
The statistics t-test was applied to find the difference between the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test in order to investigate the effects of participating in oral presentations on English speaking abilities
The research aimed at studying the following objectives: 1. The first objective was to investigate the effects of participating in oral presentations on the English speaking abilities of fourth-year English majors

Summary

Introduction

An international language widely used for communicating in education, commerce and tourism, has been part of Thai education for decades. It is, significant that the Thai government supports the Ministry of Education’s goal to have English taught well in schools. Significant that the Thai government supports the Ministry of Education’s goal to have English taught well in schools It seems that the majority of Thai students are not very successful in learning English. They are still unable to use the language accurately and fluently in real situations outside the classroom, in speaking Introducing yourself and To practice giving the introduction to a presentation your talk.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion