APPROACHES TO TEACHING LISTENING AND SPEAKING IN ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE WITH A FOCUS ON ERROR PRONUNCIATION CORRECTION

ESL

This action research report investigates the effectiveness of various teaching approaches to improve listening and speaking skills in non-major English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at Dong Nai University. Pronunciation accuracy plays a crucial role in effective oral communication, particularly in second language acquisition. The study specifically addresses challenges related to pronunciation errors, including the differences in English phonetic sounds, and explores strategies for error correction within structured lesson plans. Over several action research cycles, the research incorporates a range of instructional techniques—such as explicit correction, focused listening activities, peer feedback, and interactive speaking exercises—aimed at enhancing both accuracy and fluency. Data were collected through classroom observations, audio recordings, and assessments to measure improvements in pronunciation and overall speaking ability. The findings highlight that targeted error correction, integrated within listening and speaking lessons, significantly boosts students' pronunciation accuracy while fostering greater fluency. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including students' limited exposure to English outside the classroom and their difficulty in distinguishing between similar phonetic sounds. The report concludes with recommendations for language instructors to adopt adaptable and reflective teaching methods that integrate error correction into dynamic lesson plans, addressing the specific pronunciation challenges faced by non-major students and improving their overall listening and speaking proficiency.

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