Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate EFL learners’ attitudes towards, participation in and
challenges they encounter in group speaking activities with particular references to Gessa
Deliba Secondary School. Thus, it has been tried to discuss the findings under three main
headings. Therefore the study was firstly focused on,the attitudes of grade 11students towards
group discussion in speaking activities; secondly students’ participation in group discussion
during speaking activities in EFL classes, and thirdly challenges students encountered during
speaking activities classes while using group work. Accordingly, descriptive research surveys
with mixed research approach were applied to achieve the objectives of the study.To collect
reliable data for this study, questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations were used as
data collection tools. The collected data from questionnaire was analyzed using software SPSS
26 version, and data from interview and class observation were analyzed qualitatively.The study
revealed that students have positive attitudes towards group discussion as a teaching strategy for
speaking skills; students’ interaction and participation through group work had better outcomes,
and students face different challenges while participating in group discussion.Based on the
findings of the study the researcher forwarded recommendations as follow:- it is necessary for
teachers to motivate and support students to increase their ability in speaking. During speaking
activities, teachers take an important role to give feedback and some correction to the students’
mistakes directly.Students also need to be aware of their own needs and find additional materials
from any sources. To be fluent speaker, students should attempt to get more confidence and do
not have to be afraid of making mistakes.
