Open AccessPractising Online Approach via Skype Activities to Develop Speaking Skills among Malaysian Undergraduates
Author(s) -
Sarala Thulasi Palpanadan,
Iqbal Ahmad
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
asia proceedings of social sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2663-6638
pISSN - 2663-662X
DOI - 10.31580/apss.v8i2.1902
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , psychology , public speaking , converse , medical education , possession (linguistics) , public university , pedagogy , mathematics education , sociology , qualitative research , medicine , linguistics , social science , philosophy , geometry , mathematics , public administration , political science
Speaking skill pedagogy has always remained as a huge enigma for English as a Second Language (ESL) educators. Despite the challenge, the need to master the skills prevail in academia. The undergraduates especially those from the technical division seem to grapple with the ability to perform well in their studies and market products upon employment due to the inability to communicate well in English. Nowadays, there are numerous platforms available for ESL learners to improve their speaking proficiency. Thus, this paper intended to study the effectiveness of using Skype activities via online approach to help students enhance their confidence in speaking in English. Reflective journals were collected from 100 undergraduates who enrolled in an English course in a public university. Besides, 10 undergraduates were randomly selected to participate in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was conducted using Transana software where four main themes emerged: account possession; familiarity; challenges; and features. It was found that many participants were aware of Skype but did not have the account prior to the study. Majority of the participants admitted that Skype activities helped them to converse better which enhanced their motivation to speak in English more confidently and fluently.