Think-Pair-Share strategy in speaking skill development

Abstract

Introduction: Mastery of oral expression is a powerful factor in the development of structured thinking and cognitive abilities. However, the traditional methodologies of English teaching, based on grammar and writing, determine a poor performance of students in the international context. Think-pair-share (TPS) as a collaborative learning strategy is an appropriate tool to solve the problem. Objective: This research analyzes the influence of the TPS teaching strategy in the speaking skill development of A1 students at a language center in a university in Ambato, Ecuador. Methodology: From direct observation and the application of a survey, it was detected that the students presented difficulties in constructing effective communication. A quasi-experimental study was considered, in which two groups, control and experimental, were established. The first group received classes through traditional learning strategies and the second through strategy based on TPS. Initially, the oral proficiency level of both groups was evaluated by applying the Cambridge Key English Test (KET). The teaching strategies were implemented in both groups. In the experimental group case, the TPS strategy consisted of collaborative work among students, each participant uploaded short videos in an online platform about their ideas regarding topics suggested by the teacher. The students then reviewed the material prepared by their class partners, made suggestions for improving their speaking skills, and gave an oral presentation to their classmates. Another KET test was applied to know the speaking skill development. Results: Students improved their performance, although the experimental group showed better results, to the point that the mean was 12.48 out of 15, compared to the mean of the control group, which was 9.70 out of 15. Conclusion: The students were well disposed to work using the TPS strategy and the teaching program allowed the students to improve their speaking skills to communicate in the English language.