Increasing Oral Participation in ESL/EFL Conversation Classrooms

Michael WEI

《Asian Journal of English Language Teaching》 18卷 (2008/12) Pp. 169-187

摘要

Students' reticence in the ESL/EFL classrooms is a serious problem. Without students' oral participation, it is very difficult to improve their spoken English. This study reviewed the reasons why some students had low oral participation and methods used to alleviate this problem in the classroom. The study also examined ways to increase students' oral participation by different types of activities and different questioning techniques. Results showed that students' oral participation is increased if application and presentation activities are used; the right vocabulary is offered when students need it to continue; questions related to students' prior experiences are asked; and an informal and friendly classroom atmosphere is present. To achieve these results, teachers should employ multiple methods such as modifying questioning techniques, inviting colleagues to observe, as well as analyzing and reflecting on the effectiveness of the strategies adopted.