The Teaching of EFL Speaking

By: Rida Afrilyasanti

In learning a foreign language such as English, students have to learn how to speak fluently. Learning language means knowing the language and it is normally proved by the ability to use the language. Therefore, learning the language is learning how to speak the language as the purpose of learning language that is to communicate. It implies that students have to learn how to speak and get many opportunities to speak in the target language.

the teaching of EFL speaking

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programs are designed for the students to have better linguistic skills in English so that EFL students have the ability to master and understand written and spoken sources, and in turn, they also have an ability to use their target language both written and orally. Therefore, in the teaching and learning process teachers are supposed to engage all the elements of linguistic skills so that students have good understanding.

Different from non-EFL class in which students are already able to use and produce language in oral form, EFL class is supposed to enhance learners to communicate and use English. Hence, learning English should be an active process in which the students actively use the target language and or have effort to use the target language anytime. However, being able to use English as a means to communicate is not easy, especially because of the influence of the students’ first language and teacher’s instruction that is mostly delivered using first language. Problems faced by students in learning speaking English create attitudes against the process of teaching and learning English. Nevertheless, most of EFL teachers do not pay much attention on their students’ behaviors toward the teaching and learning process so that there is little attempt from the EFL teachers to solve the problems.

Referring to the difficulties in foreign language teaching especially speaking, the teachers have to do scaffolding at the beginning of every language teaching so that students get the point at advance about what they are going to learn and do not feel frustrated and burdensome in learning language. Furthermore, it is very important for the teachers to make students feel comfortable in their language class and love the process of teaching and learning language. Thus, teachers need to creatively find attractive ways that can stimulate and encourage students to freely speak up and use the target language. Teachers, moreover, have to make students relaxed and feel that they are part of the class. One of the best ways to help EFL students feel comfortable is to provide multiple opportunities for them to talk with a partner, in a small group, to someone who speaks their native language, and also to the teachers.