The paper titled "Improving English Language Speaking Skills of Ajloun National University Students" primarily focuses on identifying the challenges faced by students at Ajloun National University (ANU) in Jordan concerning their English speaking skills and proposing strategies to overcome these difficulties.
The purpose of the study is to investigate the specific problems that hinder the development of speaking skills among ANU students and to suggest methods to improve these skills. The study aims to provide insights into the tasks required to enhance speaking skills and the factors contributing to students' weaknesses in this area.
The research employs a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection tool. The sample consists of 20 students, both male and female, from the Faculty of Arts and Educational Sciences at ANU, who are majoring in English Language and Literature. The interviews were conducted in Arabic and later translated into English, focusing on the students' experiences and challenges with speaking English.
The key findings of the study reveal that the most significant challenges faced by the students include a limited vocabulary, confusion, embarrassment, incorrect grammar usage, and insufficient daily practice. The most frequent tasks that required speaking skills in the classroom were conversations, questioning, and explaining, with conversation being the most common. The study also found that the most effective solutions to these problems involve regular practice, listening to English media, and engaging in conversations with native speakers.
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for new strategies to improve English speaking skills at ANU, such as task-based learning and creating more opportunities for oral communication in the classroom. The findings suggest that addressing these issues can significantly enhance students' ability to communicate effectively in English. The study highlights the importance of continuous practice and the use of modern technology to facilitate language learning.
The implications of this research are significant for educators and students, suggesting that a more interactive and practice-oriented approach is essential for improving speaking skills in an EFL context.