Investigating the Role of Classroom Interaction in Developing EFL Learners’ Speaking Skill The Case of Second-Year Students of English Language at the University of Biskra, Algeria

Abstract

Speaking in English has been typically difficult for students while communicating. As a result, a variety of teaching methods were offered to encourage and support speaking in the classroom. The main objective of this research is to examine the extent of the classroom interaction in the oral expression session, that would enhance the speaking skills of second year students of English at Mohamed Kheider University of Biskra. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate the role of classroom interaction in enhancing EFL learners’ speaking skill. Methodologically, the researcher opted to use a mixed-method approach to describe and analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. A sample of 55 students was selected randomly. Additionally, two data collection tools were employed namely, a semi-structured interview and a semi-structured questionnaire to gather the needed data to answer the posed questions of the research. Besides, a semi-structured interview was conducted with five oral expression teachers of English at Biskra University. Consequently, the results of the present research showed that both teachers and students agreed that classroom interaction helps in developing the students’ speaking skill. In addition to this, the teacher has a major role to improve the student’s abilities. Also, the research finds out that students face many difficulties in speaking. First and foremost, it is recommended that classroom interaction is an effective pedagogical strategy that can facilitate and enhance EFL learners’ speaking skill