An Investigation of EFL Learners‟ Attitudes towards, Participation in and Challenges Encountered in Group Speaking Activities: Grade 11in Focus

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.