WHATSPEAK: Audiovisual Digital Assessment in Enhancing Confident and Independent Speaking Skills

Pavitthra Arulchelvan,Melor Md Yunus

doi:10.13189/ujer.2020.080708

Abstract

Fluent speaking skills in English are considered major requirements in the growth of universal civilization as the fluency of spoken words allow a person to be well understood in the designated area. Learners are expected to forward ideas confidently and independently. However, they faced challenges in managing simple English communication among their circle. Therefore, the implementation of WhatsApp based audiovisual tasks were infused action research to enhance learners' speaking skills. The research was conducted among learners aged eight in a rural primary school in the district of Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. Results were collected from pre-test and post-test, observation and survey. Data revealed that learners were involved actively in collaborative speaking sessions by exchanging ideas confidently and independently. Significantly, their spoken Performance Level improved as they began to socialize and prompt proper language usage in the interactions through the aid of pictures, videos and audios. Researchers had suggested the incorporation of genuine learning and assessment of speaking skills via WhatsApp based audiovisual materials as an effective effort in eventually producing confident and independent English speakers.

Highlights

In developing nations, skilled literacy abilities and instructional opportunities are essential because information will enable kids to have a brighter future and eradicate poverty
English language usage in multinationals such as Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur shows that spoken forms have been found to be essential for efficient communication towards global customers [35, 53]
The action research [19] involved 8 primary respondents aged eight from the primary school located in the deep rural demographic region of Cameron Highlands in the state of Pahang

Summary

Introduction

In developing nations, skilled literacy abilities and instructional opportunities are essential because information will enable kids to have a brighter future and eradicate poverty. As found by [14] students having access to smart phones and Internet facilities show high interest in participating in technology-based activities by sharing ideas, collaborating to solve tasks and discussing latest happenings [1, 41] It embodies the notion of encouraging learners to build their learning process, enhancing their knowledge, applying language skills, and communicating with their members in collaboration [8]. Results by [3, 44] found that, integrating and implementing mobile technology through WhatsApp assisted learners develop a learning community, and in exchange, learners build and share understanding through instant messaging with other group members In this respect, several studies by [10, 29, 55, 62] supported activities with technological assistance to boost students’ motivation to speak in English. As they discuss and assist each other, learning becomes more meaningful to motivate and enhance speaking

Methodology

Findings and Discussion

Conclusions