Tertiary level EFL learners’ attitudes towards producing their own podcasts to enhance speaking skills

Research Article

Abstract

Podcasting has had an important place in foreign language instruction. This study investigates the efficiency of integrating learner podcasts in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms as a new educational technology tool to promote learners’ speaking skills from the perspective of students. The study also examines whether EFL learners’ viewpoints on making podcasts change significantly according to their demographic features (gender and learning period). This study was conducted at a state university with ninety tertiary level EFL learners. The participants were required to carry out a class podcasting project through making their own podcasts as a chain reaction speaking activity. The data were gathered via a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews carried out with thirty-three participants. The results showed that the participants have positive attitudes towards creating learner podcasts to improve their English speaking skills. Furthermore, the findings revealed statistically significant differences in the participants’ viewpoints regarding gender and their previous learning experience. This study supplies foreign language instructors with useful information concerning how to integrate learner podcast tasks into speaking courses in an effective and a practical way.