Using Discussion Activities to Increase Motivation for Learning English Speaking of First-year EFL Students in Vietnam

English Language Teaching

The article presents findings of a recent study which investigated the possible effects of discussion activities on enhancing motivation for learning speaking skills of the first year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at a university in Vietnam. Discussion activities were applied for eight weeks during the English lessons of a class with 59 students. Two survey questionnaires and class observation were used to collect data for analysis. Results of the study showed that students’ motivation for learning speaking was improved with the employment of frequent discussion activities in the teaching and learning process. Students felt more relaxed and enjoyable in learning speaking; while their level of anxiety was lowered, their confidence was enhanced when discussion activities were integrated in their class sessions; therefore, they became more active and attentive in learning speaking lessons.

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