Functional – notional approach for English speaking skill development

Abstract

The main objective of this research work is to determine the use of Functional-Notional Approach as a communicative strategy for English speaking skill development. This study, with a cuasi-experimental research, used a survey which assured the problem research that was the low level of speaking skill production on 3rd Year High School students. The application of a pre-test a post-test was used in order to prove the research hypothesis. In addition, there was used an adapted assessment rubric in relation with the students’ needs. Independent variable (Functional-Notional Approach) as well as the depended variable (Speaking skill) were analyzed. Statistical results of this study have been considered in the conclusions and recommendations. Furthermore, it is necessary to mention that results showed that activities based on the Functional-Notional Approach highly influence in the development of students’ speaking skill. Based on the above, the proposal is the presentation of activities based on the Functional - Notional Approach which will contribute to the English speaking skill improvement as well as sub-skills such as; interaction, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and pronunciation.