Investigating EFL Learners’ Readiness of Using Smartphone and Problems for Learning Oral English Communication Skills at Tertiary Level in an EFL Context

Prodhan Mahbub Ibna Seraj,Md. Kamrul Hasan,Hadina Habil

doi:10.3991/ijim.v14i14.14759

Abstract

<p class="0abstract">Although extensive research has been carried out to investigate EFL learners’ readiness of using smartphone and problems in EFL contexts, there remains a scarcity of evidence on EFL learners’ readiness of using smartphone and problems for learning oral English communication skills at tertiary level in EFL context, especially in Bangladesh. The present study was conducted to explore Bangladeshi tertiary level learners’ readiness of using smartphone and problems for learning oral English communication skills. This study employed a mixed-method design, using a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview as data collection instruments. The participants of this study were sixty-one learners (35 females and 26 males) who were studying at the department of English of a university. The findings from the questionnaire illustrated that EFL learners’ level of readiness of using a smartphone was high and the frequent problems they faced were authentic materials, audio-video aids, oral practice environment, large size class and existing teaching method. Similarly, the findings of semi-structured interview emerged three themes regarding EFL learners’ readiness were availability, usability and positivity for the use of smartphone and four themes regarding EFL learners’ problems, such as psychological, linguistic, teachers’ efficacy and use of mother tongue and for learning oral English communication skills.</p>

Highlights

Oral English communication skills (OECSs) which is one of the language skills, is very crucial for both native and EFL learners to maintain offline and online communication in the globe
3 Research Objectives The objectives of this study were to investigate EFL learners' readiness of using a smartphone and the problems they faced during learning oral English communication skills at tertiary level in Bangladesh
The findings revealed that learners had a positive attitude for the adaptation of smartphones for learning oral English communication skills at tertiary level

Summary

Introduction

Oral English communication skills (OECSs) which is one of the language skills, is very crucial for both native and EFL learners to maintain offline and online communication in the globe. Bangladesh is in an EFL context where Bangla is used in all spheres of life by 98% population of the country[1]. For preparing Bangladeshi learners to cope up with the globalization demands, the English language is a compulsory part of the curriculum in primary, secondary, and higher secondary level [2]. The medium of instruction of language in higher education is in English. Almost in all the sectors, English is used alongside Bangla. Oral English communication skills (OECSs) from academic to a professional career is very crucial for learners

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Discussion

Conclusion