Problem-based approach to develop the speaking skill in English

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the influence of the Problem-Based Learning approach in the development of speaking skill in English. This research used a qualitative-quantitative approach. Also, it uses a quasi-experimental study because of the creation of a Moodle platform based on the Problem-Based Learning approach. The level of research was biographical and descriptive. The population embraced 53 students and 5 teachers of B1 level belonging to Language Center at Salache campus of Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi. This research used instruments such as a survey administered to teachers and students with the purpose of verifying the use of this approach. In addition, it was applied an oral pre and post-test in two groups of B1 level, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning approach implementation to develop the speaking skill in English. B1 "F" level was assigned as the control group, while B1 "M" level was assigned as the experimental group. In order to verify the hypothesis of this investigation, the Chi-square test was used in surveys and in pre and post-test, they were verified with the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. It is concluded that the students improved considerably in their oral production after the intervention with the problem-based approach in the Moodle platform. The results showed that Chi-cuadardo, X²c = 90,998 has a higher value than X2t = 15, 5073, while in the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test they had a value of (,000) which is less than (0,05); therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. Furthermore, the results in the post-test showed an important development in fluency. Finally, a handbook was proposed for the use of virtual and face-to-face environments with activities focused on Problem-Based Learning and the speaking skill development.