Speaker
Description
Teaching speaking skill to big classes has proven to be challenging. This research is to identify an alternative technique for discussion sessions during speaking lessons in big EFL classes so as to maximize students’ interaction time, enhancing their motivation while preparing them better for the future with teamwork and presentation skills. The researcher created and experimented a version of “Jigsaw” in speaking to complement the take-turn style of group presentations in two second-year speaking classes during a semester at University of Foreign Language Studies, The University of Da Nang. Observation was conducted by the researcher herself for ongoing adjustment of the technique. A survey was then carried out on the students. Results showed that the majority of students said the technique gave them more opportunities to either speak English (87%) or interact with classmates (75%); while enhancing their confidence in Speaking English (70%), and their comfortableness as group representatives (66%); 75% preferred “Jigsaw in Speaking” to the traditional way. The study validates that “Jigsaw in Speaking” can be used as an alternative technique for group discussion sessions in speaking classes.
Key words: jigsaw; big classes; speaking skill; English language teaching; teamwork; presentation skill.
