UPSI Digital Repository (UDRep)
Start | FAQ | About

QR Code Link :

Type :thesis
Subject :LB Theory and practice of education
Main Author :Hasviniy Padmanathan
Title :Teaching and learning strategies foe English language speaking skill among early childhood education (ECE) undergraduates
Place of Production :Tanjong Malim
Publisher :Fakulti Pembangunan Manusia
Year of Publication :2021
Corporate Name :Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
PDF Guest :Click to view PDF file
PDF Full Text :Login required to access this item.

Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
This study aimed to develop a provisional framework of English language speaking skills for early childhood education (ECE) undergraduates. This study was carried out to identify the level of speaking proficiency among the undergraduates, ascertain the challenges faced by them in using English, and determine teaching and learning strategies to overcome the challenges. The study adopts the mixed-method approach. The method used for quantitative data was a survey and speaking test from 90 respondents. The method used for qualitative data was document analysis of 90 language test scores and semi-structured interviews with three students from each semester and five ECE lecturers. The English proficiency level was acquired through the respondents’ speaking test scores. The online survey was conducted to ascertain the challenges faced by undergraduates. The semi-structured interviews of students and lecturers were conducted to determine teaching and learning strategies towards overcoming those challenges. The survey was analysed using descriptive analysis of the statistical data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in speaking proficiency levels between respondents from different semesters (p value=.400). This suggested that there had been no significant improvement in their speaking proficiency level as they progress in their semesters. The findings on the challenges were fear of criticism, limited vocabulary, shyness and no motivation. The findings on the strategies were communication-based language learning techniques, constant use of English and positive language exploration. In conclusion, the provisional Framework of English Language Speaking Skills was developed based on the challenges faced by ECE undergraduates and the strategies employed by them to overcome those challenges. The implication of this study suggests that the framework provides a vital reference for future researchers on how to improve ECE undergraduates’ English speaking skills.

References

Abawi, K. (2013). Data Collection Instruments (Questionnaire & Interview).

Training in Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Geneva, 1, p.18.

 

Abukhattala, I. (2013). Krashen’s Five Proposals on Language Learning: Are They

Valid in Libyan EFL Classes. English Language Teaching, 6(1), 128-131. doi:

10.5539/elt.v6n1p128

 

Akhtar, I. (2016). Research in Social Science: Interdisciplinary Perspectives; Research

design (1st ed.).

 

Al-Jardani, K. (2013). Developing A Framework For English Language Curriculum

Evaluation In Oman (Ph.D). University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

 

Al-Qaysi, N. (2018). The Impact of Child Protection Policy on Omani Classrooms.

International Journal of Information Technology and Language Studies, 2(1).

 

Alias, N. (2017). My Say: Making graduates more employable. The Edge Malaysia.

Retrieved from https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/my-say-makinggraduates-

more-employable

 

Australian higher education institutions Commissioned report. (2014). English

language proficiency and employability framework. Centre for the Study of

Higher Education, The University of Melbourne.

 

Bashir, Marriam & Azeem, Muhammad & Ashiq, Dr & Dogar, Hussain. (2011). Factor

Effecting Students' English Speaking Skills. British Journal of Arts and Social

Sciences ISSN. 2. 2046-9578.

 

Bozorgian, H. (2012). The Relationship between Listening and Other Language Skills

in International English. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2(4), 657-

663.

 

Castillo-Montoya, M. (2016). Preparing for interview research: The interview protocol

refinement framework. Qualitative Report, 21(5), 811–831.

 

Che Musa, N., Yiew Lee, K., & Azman, H. (2012). Exploring English Language

Learning And Teaching In Malaysia. GEMA OnlineTM Journal of Language

Studies, 12(1), 37. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11492256.pdf

 

Cheong, K., Hill, C., Fernandez-Chung, R., & Leong, Y. (2015). Employing the ‘unemployable’: 

employer perceptions of Malaysian graduates. Studies in Higher Education, 41(12), 2253-2270. doi: 

10.1080/03075079.2015.1034260

 

Council of Europe. (2019). Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, 

teaching, assessment (CEFR). [online] Available at: 

https://www.coe.int/en/web/language-policy/cefr.

 

Creswell, J. (2018). Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches + a crash course in 

statistics. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

 

Creswell, J. (2018). Educational Research. Sydney: Pearson Education.

 

Davison, C. B., & Dustova, G. (2017). A quantitative assessment of student performance and 

examination format. Journal of Instructional Pedagogies, 18.

 

Dayat, D. (2017). Analysis on English Speaking Performance: Exploring Students’ Errors  and  The  

Causes. JETL  (Journal  Of  Education,  Teaching  and Learning), 2(1), 130. doi: 

10.26737/jetl.v2i1.149

 

Denham, S., Bassett, H., & Zinsser, K. (2012). Early Childhood Teachers as Socializers of Young 

Children’s Emotional Competence. Early Childhood Education Journal, 40(3), 137-143. doi: 

10.1007/s10643-012-0504-2

 

Derakhshan, A., Khalili, A., & Beheshti, F. (2016). Developing EFL Learner’s Speaking Ability, 

Accuracy and Fluency. English Language And Literature Studies, 6(2), 177. doi: 

10.5539/ells.v6n2p177

 

Devi, V. (2018). Taking steps to address decline in English proficiency. The Star Online.  [online] 

 Available  at:  https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro- 

news/2018/04/02/taking-steps-to-address-decline-in-english-proficiency- 

conference-to-gather-teachers-from-around-the/.

 

Dincer, A., & Yesilyurt, S. (2013). Pre-Service English Teachers’ Beliefs on Speaking Skills Based 

on Motivational Orientations. English Language Teaching, 6(7), 88-95. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n7p88

 

Dixon, T., & O'Hara, M. (2010). Communication Skills. University of Ulster.

 

Efrizal, D. (2012). Improving Students’ Speaking through Communicative Language

Teaching Method at Mts Ja-alhaq, Sentot Ali Basa Islamic Boarding School of

Bengkulu, Indonesia. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science,

2(20), 127–134.

 

Eshtehardi, R. (2017). Needs Analysis and Course Design; A Framework for Designing

Exam Courses. International Journal Of Applied Linguistics And English

Literature, 6(6), 274. doi: 10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.6p.274

 

Fan, J., & Yan, X. (2020). Assessing Speaking Proficiency: A Narrative Review of

Speaking Assessment Research Within the Argument-Based Validation

Framework. Frontiers In Psychology, 11. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00330

 

Francis, Kristina & Mutty, Bharathi & Kaur, Malvin & Kunalan, Ranjini & Mohd Anis,

Nurullashkeen. (2020). Undergraduates' Awareness and Obstacles on English

Language Speaking Skill. International Journal of Education, Psychology and

Counseling. 5. 176-188. 10.35631/IJEPC.5340014.

 

Gan, Z. (2012). Understanding L2 Speaking Problems: Implications for ESL

Curriculum Development in a Teacher Training Institution in Hong

Kong. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 37(1). doi:

10.14221/ajte.2012v37n1.4

 

Goh, P. S. C. (2019). Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives on Using English Language to

Teach. GEMA Online® Journal of Language Studies, 19(4), 346–362. doi:

10.17576/gema-2019-1904-18

 

Gong, Y. (2018). Design and implementation of english for academic purpose online

learning system based on browser/server framework. International Journal Of

Emerging Technologies In Learning, 13(3), 141-153. doi:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v13i03.8399

 

Grover, V. (2015). Research approach: An overview. International Multidisciplinary

Research Journal, 4(8).

 

Hadijah, S. (2014). Investing the Problems of English Speaking of Islamic Boarding

School Program at Stain Samarinda. Dinamika Ilmu: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(2),

240–247.

 

Haidari, Y. (2016). Psychological Factor Affecting English Speaking Performance for

the English Learners in Indonesia. Universal Journal Of Educational Research,

4(7), 1501-1505. doi: 10.13189/ujer.2016.040701

 

Hamad, M. (2013). Factors Negatively Affect Speaking Skills at Saudi Colleges for

Girls in the South. Canadian Center Of Science And Education, 6(12), 87-97.

doi: doi:10.5539/elt.v6n12p87

 

Harmer, J. (2015). The practice of English language teaching (5th ed.). Harlow, UK:

Pearson Longman.

 

Heriansyah, H. (2012). Speaking Problems Faced By The English Department Students

Of Syiah Kuala University. Lingua Didaktika: Jurnal Bahasa Dan

Pembelajaran Bahasa, 6(1), 37-44. doi:10.24036/ld.v6i1.7398

 

Hughes, R. (2011). Teaching and researching speaking. London: Longman.

 

Husnawati. (2017). Retrieved from https://repository.arraniry.

ac.id/id/eprint/1236/2/Husnawati.pdf

 

Hussain, S. (2017). Teaching Speaking Skills in Communication

Classroom. International Journal Of Media, Journalism And Mass

Communications, 3(3). doi: 10.20431/2454-9479.0303003

 

Huwari, I. (2019). Problems Faced by Jordanian Undergraduate Students in Speaking

English. International Journal Of Innovation, Creativity And Change, 8(9),

203-217. Retrieved from http://www.ijicc.net

 

Ijasan, K., & Ahmed, V. (2016). Studentification and the housing needs of international

students in Johannesburg: An embedded mixed methods approach. Research

Methodology in the Built Environment: A Selection of Case Studies, (March),

129–146. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315725529

 

Iksan, Z., Zakaria, E., Meerah, T., Osman, K., Lian, D., Mahmud, S., & Krish, P.

(2012). Communication Skills among University Students. Procedia-Social

And Behavioral Sciences, 59, 71-76. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.247

 

Ishtiaq, M. (2019). Book Review Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative,

Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA:

Sage. English Language Teaching, 12(5), 40.

https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n5p40

 

Ivinson, A. J. (2001). Society’s stake in xenotransplantation. Quarterly Review of

Biology, 76. https://doi.org/10.1086/393991

 

Jingxia, L. (2010). Teachers’ code-switching to the L1 in EFL classroom. The Open

Applied Linguistics Journal, 3(10), 10-23.

 

Jun, S. W. (21st May, 2015) Half of English Teacher have poor English Skills. Free

Malaysia Today. Retrieved from

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/05/21/half-ofenglish-

teachers-have-poor-english-skills-says-don/

 

Lin, A. M. Y. (2017). Code-Switching in the Classroom: Research Paradigms and

Approaches. Research Methods in Language and Education, 487–501.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02249-9_34

 

Kabir, Syed Muhammad. (2014). Methods of Data Collection.

 

Kapur, Radhika. (2018). Early Childhood Education.

 

Khalijah Nor, Masliza Razali, Nashrah Talib, Nurbarirah Ahmad, Rosnita Sarkarji,

Aisyah Amni Saferdin, & Aishah Nor. (2019). Students’ Problems in Learning

English as a Second Language Among MDAB Students at Uitm Malacca.

International Journal of Humanities, Philosophy and Language, 2(7), 01–12.

https://doi.org/10.35631/ijhpl.27001

 

Kencanawati, D. (2014). Designing Communication Strategy in the English Speaking

Class at University (pp. 509-512). Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia: The 61

TEFLIN International Conference.

 

Kim, L. S., Siong, L. K., & Fei, W. F. (2010). The English language and its impact on

identities of multilingual malaysian undergraduates. GEMA Online™ Journal

of Language Studies, 10(1), 87–101. Retrieved from

http://journalarticle.ukm.my/2324/1/page1_21.pdf

 

Kustati, M. (2014). An Analysis of Code-Mixing and Code-Switching in EFL Teaching

of Cross Cultural Communication Context. Al-Ta'lim, 21, 174-182.

 

Krashen, S. (1995). Principles and practice in second language acquisition. Hemel

Hempstead, Hertfordshire: Prentice Hall Europe.

 

Lantolf, J. (2017). Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: Oxford

University Press.

 

Leong, L., & Ahmadi, S. (2017). An Analysis of Factors Influencing Learners’ English

Speaking Skill. International Journal of Research in English Education, 2(1),

34-41. doi: 10.18869/acadpub.ijree.2.1.34

 

Lestari, S. (2018). Exploring the Factors Affecting Student's English Speaking Fluency.

Ar-Raniry Islamic State University.

 

Liando, N. V. F., & Lumettu, R. (2017). Students’ Personal Initiative towards their

Speaking Performance. International Education Studies, 10(8), 21. doi:

10.5539/ies.v10n8p21

 

Lopez, J. V. (August 29, 2018). Communication Disorders: Types and Classification -

SAERA. Retrieved January 17, 2021, from Saera.eu website:

https://www.saera.eu/en/2018/08/29/communication-disorders-types-andclassification/

 

Lumettu, A., & Runtuwene, T. L. (2018). Developing the Students’ English Speaking

Ability Through Impromptu Speaking Method. Journal of Physics: Conference

Series, 953, 012035. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/953/1/012035

 

Mat Saad, N., Sidek, H., Baharun, H., Idrus, M., & Yunus, M. (2016). A Conceptual

Framework To Explore The English Language Learning Experiences Of

International Students In Malaysia. IJAEDU- International E-Journal of

Advances In Education, 2(6), 453-453. doi: 10.18768/ijaedu.281043

 

Mahajan, R. (2015). The key role of communication skills in the life of professionals.

IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), Volume

20(Issue 12, Ver. II), 36-39. doi: DOI: 10.9790/0837-201223639

 

Mahmood, M. & Harun, H. N. (4 December 2015) Q & A with Tan Sri Arsyad Ayub.

The News Straits Time. Retrieved from

https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/115394/q-tan-sri-arshad-ayub

 

Malaysian Employers Federation. (2016, 24 November). English Proficiency Critical

To Enhance Employability of Graduates [Press release]. Retrieved from

https://www.mef.org.my/Attachments/PR161124b.pdf

 

Mathers N, Fox N. and Hunn A. Surveys and Questionnaires. The NIHR RDS for the

East Midlands / Yorkshire & the Humber, 2009.

 

Majzub, R.M. (2013). Critical Issues in Preschool Education in Malaysia.

 

Mihas, P., & Odum Institute. (2019). Learn to use an exploratory sequential mixed

method design for instrument development. In SAGE Research Methods

Datasets Part 2. SAGE Publications, Ltd.

https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781526496454

 

Ministry of Education. (2012). Preliminary Report Malaysian Education Blueprint

2013-2025. Putrajaya, Malaysia: Retrieved from

https://www.moe.gov.my/menumedia/media-cetak/penerbitan/dasar/1207-

malaysia-education-blueprint-2013-2025/file

 

Mishra, P., Pandey, C. M., Singh, U., Gupta, A., Sahu, C., & Keshri, A. (2019).

Descriptive statistics and normality tests for statistical data. Annals of cardiac

anaesthesia, 22(1), 67–72. https://doi.org/10.4103/aca.ACA_157_18

 

Mohajan, H. K. (2017). Two Criteria for Good Measurements in Research: Validity

and Reliability. Annals of Spiru Haret University. Economic Series, 17(4), 59–

82. https://doi.org/10.26458/1746

 

Mohd Razali, Nornadiah & Yap, Bee. (2011). Power Comparisons of Shapiro-Wilk,

Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Lilliefors and Anderson-Darling Tests. J. Stat. Model.

Analytics. 2.

 

Mohideen, H. (2018). Building proficiency in English. The Star Online. Retrieved from

https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2018/03/01/building-proficiencyin-

english/

 

Mustafa, M. C., Ngajib, S. H., Isa, Z. M., Omar, A., Osman, Z., Ahmad, N. A., Amran,

A. N. F. M. (2018). Early Childhood Teachers’ Challenges in Using English to

Interact with Young English Language Learners. International Journal of

Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(6). doi:

10.6007/ijarbss/v8-i6/4179

 

Mustafa, Z. (2018). Proficient ways to better English. New Straits Times. Retrieved

from https://www.nst.com.my/education/2018/07/389562/proficient-waybetter-

english

 

Nishanthi, R. (2018). The Importance of Learning English in Today World.

International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development,

Volume-3(Issue-1), 871–874. https://doi.org/10.31142/ijtsrd19061

 

Nooreiny Maarof, & Indira Malani Munusamy. (2015). Learner’s Learning

Experiences & Difficulties towards (ESL) among UKM Undergraduates.

Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 6(3), 84–87.

https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.6n.3p.83

 

Nunan, D., & Carter, R. (Eds.). (2001). The Cambridge guide to teaching English to

speakers of other languages. Ernst Klett Sprachen.

 

Nuraeni, B. L., Farid, M. Z., & Cahyati, S. S. (2018). The Use Of Indonesian English

Code Mixing On Instagram Captions. PROJECT (Professional Journal of

English Education), 1(4), 448. https://doi.org/10.22460/project.v1i4.p448-453

 

Permana, G.K., Sofyan, D., & Kasmaini, K. (2019). An Analysis of Communication

Strategies Applied by English Study Program Students in Speaking for

Presentation. Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology, 3, 494-505.

 

Richards, J. C. (2006). Communicative language teaching today. Cambridge, UK:

Cambridge University Press.

 

Rosmiaty, R., Ratnawaty, R., & Muhri, A. (2020). Investigating Code-Mixing As

Persuasive Strategies In Advertising: A Study Of Code-Mixing In Indonesian

Commercial Context. ELT Worldwide: Journal of English Language Teaching,

7(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.26858/eltww.v7i1.15108

 

Rusli, R., Md Yunus, M., & Hashim, H. (2018). Low Speaking Proficiency Among The

Malaysian Undergraduates: Why And How?. In e-Prosiding Persidangan

Antarabangsa Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan 2018 (pp. 678-689). Selangor:

Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Selangor.

 

Saeed, K. M., Ismail, S. A. M. M., & Eng, L. S. (2019). Malaysian Speaking Proficiency

Assessment Effectiveness for Undergraduates Suffering from Minimal

Descriptors. International Journal of Instruction, 12(1), 1059-1076.

https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2019.12168a

 

Sangoseni, O., Hellman, M., & Hill, C. (2013). Development and validation of a

questionnaire to assess the effect of online learning on behaviours, attitudes, and

clinical practices of physical therapists in the United States regarding evidence

based clinical practices. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and

Practice, 11(2), 1-12

 

Shahini, Gholamhossein & Shahamirian, Fatemeh. (2017). Improving English

Speaking Fluency: The Role of Six Factors. Advances in Language and Literary

Studies. 8. 100. 10.7575/aiac.alls.v.8n.6p.100.

 

Shen, M., & Chiu, T. (2019). EFL Learners’ English Speaking Difficulties and Strategy

Use. Education And Linguistics Research, 5(2), 88. doi: 10.5296/elr.v5i2.15333

 

Stephanie Glen. (2020). "Welcome to Statistics How To!" From StatisticsHowTo.com:

Elementary Statistics for the rest of us from https://www.statisticshowto.com/

 

Sternberg, R. J. & Williams, W. M. (2002). Educational psychology. Boston: Pearson

Education Company.

 

Tabanick, B., & Fidell, L. (2013). Using multivariant statistics (6th ed.). Boston:

Pearson Education, Inc.

 

The Malay mail. (2021). Make a study on students’ poor English language proficiency,

says NUTP. Retrieved from

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/05/19/make-a-study-onstudents-

poor-english-language-proficiency-says-nutp/1754475

 

The Star Online. (2021). Early Childhood Education a reward in itself. Retrieved from

https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2021/08/12/early-childhood-educationa-

reward-in-itself

 

The Star Online. (2017). English proficiency still a big problem for many Malaysian

grads. Retrieved from

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/01/21/english-proficiency-stilla-

big-problem-for-many-msian-grads/

 

Too, W. (2017). English language teaching and policies at the tertiary level in Malaysia

English Education At The Tertiary Level In Asia, 109-129. doi:

10.4324/9781315391588-7

 

Tuan, N. H., & Mai, T. N. (2015). Factors Affecting Students’ Speaking Performance

at Le Thanh Hien High School. Asian Journal of Educational Research, 3, 8-

23.

 

Tricomi, E. T. (1986). Krashen’S Second-Language Acquisition Theory and the

Teaching of Edited American English. Journal of Basic Writing, 5(2), 59–69.

 

Vygotsky, L., Cole, M., Stein, S., & Sekula, A. (1978). Mind in society. Cambridge,

Mass.: Harvard University Press.

 

Weale, A. (2005). The Essential Guide to Doing Research. Journal of Advanced

Nursing, 51(6), 665–665. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03567_1.x

 

Wolf, M. K., Everson, P., Lopez, A., Hauck, M., Pooler, E., & Wang, J. (2014).

Building a Framework for a Next-Generation English Language Proficiency

Assessment System. ETS Research Report Series, 2014(2), 1–48. doi:

10.1002/ets2.12034

 

Yahaya, A., Yahaya, N., Lean, O., Bon, A., & Ismail, S. (2011). Factors contributing

to proficiency in English as a second language among Chinese students in Johor

Bahru. Elixir Psychology, 41, 5837-5848. Retrieved from

http://www.elixirjournal.org

 

Yang, M., & Rau, D. A Conceptual Framework for Developing e-learning materials

from endangered language documentation. In ALR Workshop. Jeju Island,

Korea.

 

Zyoud, M. M. (2016). Theoretical Perspective on How to Develop Speaking Skill. An

International Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(1), 1–10.

 


This material may be protected under Copyright Act which governs the making of photocopies or reproductions of copyrighted materials.
You may use the digitized material for private study, scholarship, or research.

Back to previous page

Installed and configured by Bahagian Automasi, Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
If you have enquiries with this repository, kindly contact us at pustakasys@upsi.edu.my or Whatsapp +60163630263 (Office hours only)