Enhancing English Speaking Skills Through Action Research: A Study of Grade 3 ESL Learners in Bhutan

Abstract

Phuentsholing Primary School, located in southern region of Bhutan has a diverse student body. This diversity presents challenges in developing strong English-speaking skills among students." English as a second language (ESL) instruction and learning have become essential components of daily education in Bhutan and many other non-native English-speaking nations. In our years as educators, we have noticed that students in the southern borders speak more of their local language than English, which has hampered their ability to communicate. This forced them to converse in their mother tongue in a classroom as well. Consequently, it is difficult for the educators to improve the speaking skills. Furthermore, collaborative action research was employed to navigate the problem and work on the strategies that would enhance the speaking skills to the students. Our research pondered on “How does implementation of various speaking strategies in ESL classrooms contribute to overall speaking enhancement in class 3B students?” the Population sample was selected based on the convenience of the researchers teaching the particular class and off periods for the co-researchers to visit and implement the strategies. The methods for the study were mixed method and the findings revealed a 20%" increase in students achieving advanced proficiency levels.