The Effect of Online Learning in Developing English Speaking Skills: أثر التعلم عن بعد في تطوير مهارة التحدث باللغة الإنجليزية

Muteerah Bunayan Alshammari Muteerah Bunayan Alshammari

doi:10.26389/ajsrp.r020821

Muteerah Bunayan Alshammari Muteerah Bunayan Alshammari

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.26389/ajsrp.r020821

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Abstract

The COVID 19 pandemic has affected all aspects of the life, including the education system. Online learning appears to be efficient in several subjects, including English as a Second Language (ESL). The purpose of this study is to prove through a review of previous research that distance learning helps ESL learners in Saudi Arabia to practice English and develop their speaking skills more efficiently than being in an offline classroom setting. This study reviews up-to-date studies related to the importance of online lessons in developing speaking skills for ESL learners. The study illustrates the difficulties students face in offline classes that prevent them from participating in English discussions; discusses the importance of online learning in developing English speaking skills; and 3) provides suggestions that will help ESL learners to speak English fluently.

Highlights

The transition to online learning forced by the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges to all aspect of life including education
As Dr Hamad bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, the Minister of Education in Saudi Arabia, stated “[e]lectronic learning after the coronavirus crisis will not be the same as it was before especially with the accelerated global trend towards e-learning and its technologies as a future option, and not just an alternative during exceptional circumstances” (Naar, 2020)
Schools and universities have shifted to distance learning, and this has impacted English as a second language (ESL) learners in Saudi Arabia who used to learn English in traditional classroom settings

Summary

Introduction

English has become the world’s primary language (Fidyati et al, 2021) It is the economic and scientific language worldwide; schools and universities in Saudi Arabia tend to teach (ESL) over other languages to help students to communicate effectively with the world around them. Students will be able to read and pass English exams with high marks, leading to a lack of communication skills and fluency (AlFallaj, 2013; Kumar, 2021). This is problematic, given that speaking English is an important skill for social interaction and networking, and broadens employment opportunities (Fatimah, 2020 Fidyati et al, 2021)

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