The Practices and Challenges Associated With Speaking Skills Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Effective communication through speaking skills is essential for the academic and personal development of university students. This descriptive study aimed to investigate students' practices and challenges related to speaking skills. It focused on 480 regular undergraduate students selected through a simple random sampling method. The researcher employed classroom observations, questionnaires, and interviews to collect data from both students and EFL instructors. Classroom observation was used to assess real-time speaking practices, interaction patterns, and the effectiveness of instructional methods in fostering speaking skills. Additionally, a structured questionnaire was administered to students to evaluate their awareness and practice of speaking skills, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with instructors to gain insights into students' speaking proficiency and perceptions. Statistical analysis was used for quantitative data, while qualitative data from interviews and classroom observations were analyzed for themes and insights. The findings reveal a significant gap between students' awareness of the importance of speaking skills and their practical application. Various challenges contribute to this mismatch, including limited access to structured opportunities for practice, lack of confidence due to speaking anxiety, and inadequate support from educational institutions in providing resources for skill enhancement. Classroom observations further highlighted issues such as students' reluctance to participate in speaking activities, over-reliance on written assignments, and minimal use of interactive speaking exercises in lessons. Based on the study's outcomes, recommendations are proposed to improve speaking proficiency among students. These include dedicating more time to speaking practice, increasing awareness of the benefits of effective communication, implementing regular assessments to monitor progress, and integrating a dedicated speaking module into the curriculum. Emphasizing flexible teaching approaches and encouraging diverse speaking practices beyond the classroom is essential for enhancing overall language proficiency among students.