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The Impact of Open Discussion Sessions on Enhancing the Oral Communicative Abilities of Saudi English Language Majors at Buraydah Community College

Author

Listed:
  • Ayman Daif-Allah
  • Mohammad Khan

Abstract

The importance of developing the communicative needs of English language majors has been found a fundamental concern of Buraydah Community college in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study has been to identify English language speaking skill needs of English language majors and investigate the impact of using Open Discussion Sessions, as extracurricular speaking activities, on developing students’ oral communicative abilities. Thirty-five students and eleven English language teachers participated in the study. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively by means of survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and pre-post speaking test. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analyzing the raw data collected. The results of the study exposed a perceived need for developing Saudi EFL students’ speaking skill in English as their oral communicative abilities dramatically increased for their needs and interests were clearly identified and the methods for fulfilling those needs were more innovative. Post-test speaking results revealed significant development in students’ speaking abilities due to the use of Open Discussion Sessions that provided a relaxed learning environment void of worry and enhanced learners’ self-confidence through active involvement with real communicative situations with other students as well as with the instructors. Finally this study provided a framework with techniques and procedures that helped teachers to teach speaking skill more efficiently. Suggestions focused on incorporating Social Network Sites and visual cues to enhance students’ interactivity and participation outside the college borders.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayman Daif-Allah & Mohammad Khan, 2016. "The Impact of Open Discussion Sessions on Enhancing the Oral Communicative Abilities of Saudi English Language Majors at Buraydah Community College," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 9(6), pages 108-108, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:eltjnl:v:9:y:2016:i:6:p:108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Attapol Khamkhien, 2010. "Teaching English Speaking and English Speaking Tests in the Thai Context: A Reflection from Thai Perspective," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 3(1), pages 184-184, March.
    2. Mahshad Safari & Mansour Koosha, 2016. "Instructional Efficacy of Portfolio for Assessing Iranian EFL Learners’ Speaking Ability," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 9(3), pages 102-102, March.
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