Interactive Workshops and The Speaking Skills

Abstract

The current study examines the effects of interactive workshops on the speaking skills of first-semester students of the “Pedagogía de los Idiomas Nacionales y Extranjeros” major. The research group consisted of 32 students (10 men and 22 women between the ages of 18 and 25). The quantitative component of the research was represented by the analyses performed using a pre-test and a post-test, which were data collection tools based on Cambridge standardized tests (A1 Movers). This information was collected to determine the impact of the interactive workshops conducted during the interventions in the chosen study group. The qualitative component of the research was represented in the theoretical framework by the interpretation of information obtained through various means. The interventions focused on the use of interactive workshops aimed at developing the speaking skills of students. The results of the pre-test and post-test applications were statistically analyzed to determine the impact of the interactive workshops on the students and thus the validity of the hypothesis raised in the research. The results were analyzed using tables and graphs, which show the average result of each part that was evaluated in detail. The analyses revealed that the students were able to improve their grades obtained in the pre-test, as the group's general average in the pre-test was 4.32 points out of 5, while the group's general average in the post-test was 4.79 points out of 5. Finally, the study hypothesis was validated using SPSS statistical software. In conclusion, the implementation of interactive workshops with activities that allow students to practice and reinforce their speaking skills had a significant impact on the development of these skills because they found motivation for self-learning and stayed consistent in practicing their speaking skills through these interventions.