A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Using Podcasts as a Means to Increase Secondary English Language Learners’ Motivation to Converse in the Target Language
Authors: Grogan Kevin, Roiha Anssi
Publisher: Journal of Teacher Action Research
Publication year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Teacher Action Research
Volume: 8
Issue: 2
First page : 79
Last page: 96
eISSN: 2332-2233
Web address : http://www.practicalteacherresearch.com/uploads/5/6/2/4/56249715/using_podcasts.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3TESFV7kNtQVLvD0k7bKfGzojgHM45FyakwkchSIMEAFchQCuOPdBReOw
This article reports on an action research project conducted in the Netherlands that encourages English language learners to converse in the target language thus increasing oral fluency. The data collection revealed that students, aged 17–19, were lacking an appropriate motive to use English which, in turn, impeded their ability to speak fluently. Based on initial data collection and literature review, it was concluded that students would benefit from an intervention activity that was authentic, interactive, and learner-centred. The designed intervention activity assisted students in the development and production of movie review podcasts and placed communicative skills and oral fluency at the forefront. The intervention activity was then evaluated using teacher interviews, student focus group interviews and a student questionnaire. The results showed that the intervention activity was successful in eliciting spontaneous speech from students while consequently increasing oral fluency. Moreover, students felt self-determined and motivated due to their increased level of autonomy.