The modeling language strategies to enhance the speaking skills

Abstract

The current research aimed to determine the efficacy of language modeling strategies to enhance speaking skills. This quantitative research with quasi-experimental design involved a target population formed by 64 university students. Those groups of students formed the control group and the experimental group. Some modelling strategies were theoretically analyzed such as giving students examples, activities, and demonstrations on any subject to serve as role models. As well as, the researcher used speaking frames as scaffolding tools, top-down and bottom-up language strategy learning training, and using knowledge gaps for plan execution in the classroom. Data collection instruments were a survey with a Likert scale and the A2 for schools’ exam as the pre-test and post-test with a questionnaire that involves pair oral interaction or speaking skills. To obtain numerical data from the pre-test and post-test, a rubric was used. Through the survey, both, groups of students, the control group and the experimental one presented difficulty in factors that affected the development of students' speaking skills such as lack of motivation, struggling with pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, and lack of teacher’s support and feedback. After gathering information, from the pre-test, the researcher planed a series of classes focused on the modelling strategies to improve students’ speaking skills. The proposal was put into practice and having finished the intervention, the students took the post-test. The results from the pre-test revealed that both groups of students, the control and the experimental group presented difficulties to speak; therefore, they had a low level of speaking performance. On the other hand, after the post-test, it was concluded that students who took part of the experiment obtained higher scores compared with those who did not. Therefore, the researcher concluded that modelling language strategies are beneficial for English learners and it is highly recommended to apply it in the university context.