Developing speaking skills of adult learners in private universities in Bangladesh: Problems and solutions

Presenter: Sadia Chien 簡瑋婷Instructor: Dr. Pi-Ying Hsu

Oct. 20, 2008

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Sabrin, F. (2007). Developing speaking skills of adult learners in private universities in Bangladesh: Problems and solutions. Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 47(1), 94-110.

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Contents

I. Introduction

II. Research Questions

III. Research Methodology

IV. Findings

V. My research

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Introduction

Since the globalization and a growing

demand for good English-speaking skills in

the job market, English language teaching

has played an important role.

(Sabrin, 2007)

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Background

Students of the private universities have

acquired a higher level of proficiency in

English than who study in public

universities after four years.

(Sabrin, 2007)

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The purpose of study

To explore how these private universities in

Bangladesh help students to develop

speaking skills of English language

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Research Questions

What are conditions that affect the

teaching- learning process?

What are the concepts that English

language teachers have of effective

teaching?

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Methodology

Face- to- face Interview

Five teachers (M:3, F:2)

28-32 years old

30-40 minutes

Dec 2005 - June 2006

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Methodology

Data collection: semi-structured

interviews, observation, document

analysis

Data Analysis: Trends, categories, and

classifications (constant comparative

method)

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Finding

Policy 15-25 students, 90mins, twice a week

No fixed textbooks

Medium of instruction

Language labs

Self access centers & language clubs

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Strategy Start with simple and familiar topics

Play games in group

Emphasize fluency rather than accuracy

Practice speech acts (requests, compliments,

clarifications and questions)

Finding

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Finding

Strategy

Small-size class

Facilitators who are advanced level

Conversational routines (small talk)

Conversational formulate (forms of address)

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Problems & Reasons

Small English vocabulary

Better in reading and writing but poorly in speaking

Shy and not willing to speak in class

Monolingual

Only reading and writing are tested in the exam

Education system for the lack of speaking in class

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My research

Place CYUT

ParticipantsNon-English major students at CYUT

Topic The obstacle of English speaking

Methodology Questionnaires

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Thanks for your attention!