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 .....

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This study was carried out specifically to identify the speaking proficiency level among the undergraduates and outline the core challenges faced by them in speaking English during their Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) study period. The study adopted a quantitative approach whereby the data were acquired through a survey method that used an adapted questionnaire as the primary instrument for its data collection. Prior to the study, the average level of English proficiency of the respondents was established through the participants’ language proficiency test scores. The document analysis of the undergraduates’ English language test grades revealed that more than 70% of ECE undergraduates; irrespective of their semesters; had scored below average grades (C+ and below) in their language proficiency. The following finding was then used as the basis to investigate the challenges faced by ECE undergraduates to speak in English. An online survey was administered to the selected.....

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