Public Speaking and Online Peer Feedback in a Blended Learning EFL Course Environment: Students’ Perceptions

Abstract

This paper reports on a blended learning approach for public speaking in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The researcher implemented the course design through reduced weekly face-to-face class sessions and online student interaction using a speech video-based blog. Using a survey conducted at the end of the semester, multiple comments provided for online peer feedback, structured outlines submitted to Turnitin, and instructor’s weekly observation of the students’ presence and performance online, the researcher collected data about the students’ progressive learning of the public speaking skills, peer feedback, and the students’ assessment of each aspect pertaining to the blended learning experience. The qualitative analysis revealed the effectiveness of online peer feedback in public speaking skills development as demonstrated by students’ attainment of course intended learning outcomes, as well as an overall positive student perception towards the blended learning model, with minor reservation of less confident students at the onset of the online implementation phase. 

Analyzing learner profiles in a microlearning app for training language learning peer feedback skills

“…In the context of language learning, peer feedback can improve learners’ L2 language skills and public speaking presentation skills (El Mortaji, 2022 ; Patri, 2002 ). Rodríguez-González and Castañeda ( 2016 ) found that peer feedback can improve L2 speaking skills and feelings of self-confidence and self-efficacy.…”

“…Rodríguez-González and Castañeda (2016) found that peer feedback can improve L2 speaking skills and feelings of self-confidence and self-efficacy. Peer feedback practice can improve learners' ability to detect language errors (Fujii et al, 2016), and PCF has been found to be a "feasible option for helping learners to attend to form in effective ways during peer interaction" (Sato & Lyster, 2012, p. 618). Conversely, Adams et al (2011) found that peer feedback had a negative effect on L2 learning.…”

“…This expands on the previous literature by demonstrating the use of mobile microlearning to improve peer feedback skills in the context of spoken content in foreign language learning. The Pebasco app builds on previous research showing that peer assessment skills can be trained (Sluijsmans et al, 2004;van Zundert et al, 2010); that the practice of peer feedback (both provision and reception) can improve learners' L2 language skills (El Mortaji, 2022;Patri, 2002;Rodríguez-González & Castañeda, 2016); and that peer feedback practice can improve learners' ability to detect L2 errors (Fujii et al, 2016). The results of this study show a pattern of statistically significant profile migration over the course of using Pebasco that indicates that many participants improved or maintained desirable patterns of behavior and outcomes.…”

“…It also has been found to improve students’ self-reflection/internal feedback skills (To & Panadero, 2019 ). In the context of language learning, the practice of peer feedback (both provision and reception) can improve learners’ second/foreign language (L2) skills (El Mortaji, 2022 ; Patri, 2002 ; Rodríguez-González & Castañeda, 2016 ); and peer feedback practice can improve learners’ ability to detect L2 errors (Fujii et al, 2016 ). Peer feedback is a skill that can be trained (Sluijsmans et al, 2004 ; van Zundert et al, 2010 ).…”

Online platforms for public speaking skills development of education seekers

“…Ключові слова: ораторська майстерність, риторична підготовка, інформаційно-комунікаційні технології, онлайн-платформи, дистанційне і змішане навчання. [3], проєктний підхід у риториці -В. Нищита [9], питання розвитку публічних навичок з використання платформи Microsoft Teams досліджують J. Gotlib, M. Jaworski [10], проблему публічних виступів та зворотного зв'язку онлайн під час змішаного навчання описує L. Mortaji [11], типологію електронних ресурсів у формуванні риторичної культури фахівця описали Д. Будянський, М. Друшляк, О. Семеніхіна, І. Харченко, В. Горбачук, О. Чашечникова [1], які серед електронних ресурсів…”