The Impact of Learner’s Autonomy on Teaching Oral Skills (Speaking Skills) in an EFL Classroom

Abstract

This paper describes a study conducted to determine the impact of learner's autonomy on attaining oral skills. The objective of this research is to strengthen the idea that a learner centered classroom is an ideal environment for teaching oral skills and to promote communicative approach of teaching. True learning can only be achieved when the learner is made an equal partner in the learning process instead of a Muppet. This research follows an experimental design. The population of the study were preparatory year students of Jazan University. This research was delimited to ELC prep year students studying at AI Ardah College of Translational study. A random sample of 100 preparatory year students were taken from Al-Ardah college with 50 students in the experimental group were students who were free to practice learners autonomy (learner centered approach) and another 50 formed the controlled group. Results were generated with the help of pre tests and post tests and plotted in the form of graphs. The purpose of this research is to show that the traditional teacher centered approach can no longer encompass the needs of the modem classroom. The educational process needs to be an active blend of modeling, coaching. scaffolding and fading. This research is implacable to ESL learners and teachers alike. It also makes recommendations for future study.