Investigating the Significance of Using Communicative Approach in Improving Speaking Skills among EFL Learners.

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the contribution of using Communicative Approach in improving speaking skills among EFL learners. The researcher adopted a mixed method: experimental and the descriptive analytical methods. The researcher conducted speaking ability test (Pretest and post test)for students and a questionnaire for English language teachersfor collecting data from the participants in secondary level. The participants were 34 students and 67 teachers of English language in the secondary level. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that, communicative language teaching approach improves EFL learners` speaking skills. Results also showed that communicative language teaching motivates students, develops good attitude on students towards English language learning and reduces shyness of students. Moreover, results showed that teachers of English language face many difficulties that prevent them from using the communicative approach in their schools as well as that some teachers were not aware enough of some features of the communicative approach. The study has come out with important recommendations for improving speaking skills in the secondary level such as: the current secondary level syllabus should be supplemented to satisfy the requirements of communicative language teaching approach to provide enough input to improve students` speaking ability. Finally, the researcher has suggested some further studies that may help to solve the dilemma of students` deficiency in speaking skills such as: investigating the use of technology in enriching the linguistic environment to EFL learners.