Using Email-Based Voice Record Conversations to Improve the Speaking Skills of EFL Learners

Abstract

The present study was conducted as a mixed-method study to discover the effects of email-based voice record conversations on the development of speaking skills. 10 EFL learners were involved in extra-curricular speaking activities through email-based voice records once in every three days for a period of three weeks by receiving voice-record instructions on a speaking task, recording and submitting their responses and receiving feedback via email. The speaking development of the participants was evaluated through a pre-test post-test design. Additionally, an open-ended survey was used to find out about the opinions of the participants regarding the process. The quantitative findings indicated a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test, favoring the post-test, but the difference was statistically underpowered. The qualitative findings uncovered the role of email-based voice record conversations in overcoming the lack of speaking practice, developing fluency, accuracy and pronunciation, overcoming potential anxiety problems and the limitation of time restrictions.