|
چکیده
|
This study aimed to investigate the effect of photo-based tasks in speaking contexts to enhance speaking skills, willingness to communicate, and foreign language enjoyment of Iranian male and female adult EFL learners. To achieve the aim of the study, the researcher adopted the true experimental approach. The sample of the study consisted of 40 male and female Iranian adult EFL learners at elementary and pre-intermediate levels in an online context. At each level, the participants were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental one. The researcher asked the experimental groups to take photos based on the topics of each section taught and asked the control group to bring ready-made photos based on each topic in the class. IELTS Speaking Test was prepared to be used as a pre-test and post-test, and a willingness to communicate scale and a foreign language enjoyment scale to check the learners' WTC and FLE as well. Finally, an interview was done to know the learners’ perceptions and attitudes toward self-taking photos in learning speaking skills in online classes. The results of the study were statistically analyzed by using the Paired-Sample T-test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank to examine if there was a statistically significant difference between students’ mean scores of pre and post-tests in the experimental group. Considering the findings of the study, it was concluded that self-taken photos can have a positive effect on learning speaking skills. Using self-taken photos instead of ready-made photos made them more motivated to speak in class, more interaction took place, and the class was more interesting for the learners. Also, using the strategy of self-taken photos made the new vocabulary stay longer in the learners’ minds. This study suggested the importance of using photo-based tasks especially self-taken photos in second language teaching to have better results in learners’ achievement of a second language.
|