The task based approach to improve students' speaking skills. (c2009)

Abstract

Most students find speaking a second language such as English difficult and challenging. Their problem is that they cannot speak English fluently and correctly. This problem can be strongly related to the facts that teachers are not encouraging students to speak freely and not engaging them in natural and real life situation tasks. In fact a large number of teachers is not aware of the importance of giving students the chance to express themselves and help them emich their vocabulary repertoire. The purpose of this study was to implement a task based approach in grade six class to help students become fluent speakers of English and overcome their shyness and hesitation when speaking a second language. When applied consistently, the strategy showed considerable improvement in speaking English as a second language in a grade six class. Students displayed desirable feedback and interest in the language, and they were motivated to express themselves and use new vocabulary words in their speaking tasks. Recommendations included using task based approach in all grades at the elementary level, and even applying such approach at the intermediate and secondary levels for the benefits it conveys.