Implementing problem-based learning to enhance speaking skill in a vocational English class : an investigative study

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) investigate the effectiveness of problem-based learning method in enhancing students’ English speaking skill; and 2) find the level of satisfaction of students in the study. This study is an experimental one group pre-test and post-test design. The data were collected by pre-post tests, questionnaires as well as semi-structured interviews. 3 experts validated all the instruments. Data analysis for the pre-test/post-test was done by a computer program for a paired sample T-test value. The 5 Likert scale satisfaction questionnaire responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics showing means and standard deviation. As for the third instrument, the interviewed scripts were analyzed by coding into themes. The pre-post tests data demonstrated that students improved in the posttest. The mean score was 4.95 and 6.5 respectively; T-test was -14.470, p values or the Sig. (1- tailed) was lower than 0.005; The 10 items questionnaire data was divided into aspects: course design, teaching professionalism and classroom equipment. The findings showed that students were mostly satisfied with ‘teaching professionalism’ (x̅= 4.75), followed by ‘course design’ (x̅=4.73), and ‘classroom equipment' (x̅=4.53).The 3 questions semi-structured interviews found that students could improve their speaking skills with vocabulary improvement the most, students also improved the other necessary skills of the twenty-first century. Recommendation for this study is to use problem-based learning to teach students in various subjects