Speaking Skill Enhancement through Task-Based Approach at Intermediate Level

An Experimental Study

Abstract

This study examines the efficacy of task-based language teaching approach (TBLT) in improving the speaking skills of learners at intermediate level. In this study, 60 Intermediate level ESL students were divided into two equal groups, i.e. an experimental group and a control group. Data for this study were collected by administrating oral pre- and post-tests to both the groups. A pre-test was taken to check the spoken English ability of both the groups. Then the experimental group was treated with a task-based language teaching approach for a period of three months. The control group continued to receive lectures with traditional language teaching techniques. At the completion of the treatment, a post-test was taken from both the groups to compare and analyze the improvement in their spoken English ability. Data from the pre- and post-tests were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The t-tests were run to compare the improvement between groups and to analyze improvement within groups. The results revealed a significant improvement in the performance of experimental group as compared to the control group. The treatment tasks were helpful in developing the oral skills of the experimental group students. Findings of this study may inspire teachers teaching speaking to adapt some of the activities in the usual course book according to a more task-based approach, so that students can participate in oral practice of language actively and in turn help them improve their speaking abilities.