The use of group investigation technique to enhance the English speaking skills of grade six Bhutanese students

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the enhancement of the English speaking skills and explore the learning satisfaction level of grade six Bhutanese students through the use group investigation technique. A quasi-experimental research was adopted in this study. The study was carried out in a primary school in Western Bhutan. A cluster random sampling was employed to select one section of grade six students comprising 30 students. Data were collected through speaking proficiency test (a pretest posttest design), focus group discussion and classroom behavioral observation. Lesson plans employing group investigation were used to teach the students. The Item Objective Congruence index of all the instruments indicated that the items were valid. Data obtained from the speaking proficiency test were analyzed using paired sample t test and comparative analysis of mean and standard deviation. Data drawn from focus group discussion and students' behavioral observation were analyzed using content analysis technique. The data obtained were condensed, coded and analyzed through identification of themes. The themes that were drawn from the focus group discussion were: enjoyment, developed confidence, enhanced speaking and interaction, knowledge and positive learning behavior The findings revealed a significant difference in the posttest scores of the students indicating that group investigation was effective in enhancing English speaking skills. The mean of the pretest was 7.17 while that of the posttest was 11.14 with a difference of 3.96.The significant value (P) was 0.01 which was lower than the significant value P<0.05 indicating that there was a statistically significant difference between the pretest and the posttest of the sample group. Students exhibited a high level of learning satisfaction and the study uncovered positive and interactive behaviors in students