Exploring Libyan EFL University Students’ and Teachers’ Attitudes towards Using Oral Presentations in Developing Speaking Skill

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the attitudes of Libyan EFL university students and teachers towards using oral presentations in developing speaking skill. The study utilized a mixed method approach of quantitative (Close-ended questionnaire) and qualitative (Semi-structured interview). The use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in this study allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the attitudes of participants towards oral presentations as a technique for developing speaking skill. Two sampling techniques (Random sampling) and (Snowballing sampling) were used to select samples of the study. Close-ended questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from students in order to know their attitudes towards using oral presentation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from teachers. The participants were 120 undergraduate students who selected randomly from three last semesters (6th, 7th, and 8th semesters) from English language departments in university of Tripoli and University of Zawia at two faculties of education Janzour and Zawia. Eleven teachers from the same departments participated in this study. Quantitative data was analysed statistically by Microsoft excel and presented in pie chart. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The results of the study indicated that the majority of participants had positive attitudes towards using oral presentations in developing speaking skill and the importance of utilizing visual aids to ensure success, despite some of the difficulties were faced in mastering this technique in various aspects of preparing and delivering oral presentations. These included a lack of grammatical structures and expressions, incorrect pronunciation, lack of facilities with limited use of technology, insufficient self-confidence and motivation, inadequate preparation and practice in addition to anxiety of making mistakes also inability to handle questions during an oral presentation. The study highlights the importance of utilizing oral presentations as a technique for developing speaking skill at all levels of university education and providing students and teachers with more opportunities to practice and develop their speaking skill. The study's findings contribute to a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of using oral presentations in EFL university classrooms and provide insights into effective teaching practices and strategies for enhancing learners' speaking skill. Teachers can help learners to build their confidence, competence, and professionalism in speaking skill and enhance their prospects for success in their future career. Keywords: Oral presentation, Speaking skill, Attitudes