Ways of Enhancing Speaking Skills of Students during English Language Classes: The Case of Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve Students at Fofa Secondary and Preparatory School

Abstract

The researcher aims at ways of enhancing speaking skills of students during English language classes, focusing on Grades ten, eleven and twelve students at Fofa Secondary and Preparatory School. To know the activities and techniques frequently used by teachers to develop students' speaking skills, the researcher used questionnaire, observation and interview. The research was conducted on 146 students and 4 English language teachers. Data were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage while for open-ended items, qualitative method of analysis was used. The result of this study revealed that most of the teachers sometimes employ techniques and never use activities to enhance the participation of students in oral lessons to develop their speaking abilities in English language classes. Teaching to communicate in real, everyday situations by employing activities is neglected and students have little chance to practise speaking in class. It is recommended that the period per week should be increased so that the students can get enough time to speak in English in class with a little guidance from the teacher.