Effectiveness of LEP activities in enhancing EFL students' oral communication skills at King Khalid University

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Language Enhancement Program (LEP) activities in improving oral communication skills among EFL students at King Khalid University. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 58 male students, randomly split into experimental and control groups, with the former participating in LEP activities and the latter following traditional teaching methods. A post-test analysis showed significant improvements in oral proficiency for the experimental group, highlighting LEP’s impact on listening and speaking skills.

Students in the LEP program reported that activities like roundtable discussions and group conversations helped build confidence and reduced speaking anxiety. LEP activities facilitated an informal learning environment, allowing students to practice language skills without fear of judgment, which was particularly effective for shy or anxious students. Teacher feedback during LEP sessions played a pivotal role in student motivation and engagement.

The study concludes that LEP activities offer an effective approach to enhance communication skills, with potential applicability across Saudi universities. It recommends integrating similar programs to foster language fluency and cultural competence, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 for educational advancement in Saudi Arabia.