Factors Behind Fourth Level Students' Weaknesses In Speaking Skills In The Department Of English, Faculty Of Education, Sana'a University And Solutions
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Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the factors behind the weaknesses in speaking skill among fourth level students in the academic year 2021/2022, English Department, Faculty of Education, Sana'a University and finding out proper solutions to overcome such problem. This study was an analytical study. The study sample consisted of 30 students from level four out of 120. For collecting data, two data collection tools were used (a closed-ended questionnaire, and an interview). The obtained data was analyzed descriptively using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and analytically by wording. Frequencies and percentages were analysed, and the results revealed that there were many factors behind this problem, such factors were as: a lack of practice during their secondary study, low background in English before the university, high fear to speak, and low motivation of students to speak Infront of audience. Additionally, the lack of enough speaking exercises to practice English speaking. Moreover, the study revealed that although teachers encourage students to speak and communicate in English, they do not provide enough opportunities for oral practice, such as oral quizzes, role-play, and debates. The time dedicated to practice these skills is also inadequate. Finally, the results revealed that there was no English language lab available for students to practice, and the huge number of students when practicing this skill was another reason. The study recommendation for solving this problem was to make EFL students exposed to more and more practice of listening and speaking. Besides, spoken course should focus more on speaking, and students should be given much time to practice that.
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References
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