Distance learning and the development of speaking skills: Challenges and opportunities

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21283/2376905X.14.251

Keywords:

REMOTE TEACHING, HYBRID TEACHING, TASK-BASED LANGUAGE TEACHING, SPEAKING SKILLS, TECHNOLOGY-SUPPORTED LEARNING

Abstract

Based on data from the GRAAL group's questionnaire on remote teaching, caused by the Covid-19 emergency as reported in Conti (2021), oral production practice was neglected by both high school and college students. The aim of this paper is to reflect on how to promote and sustain speaking from the beginning of the language learning process, during in-person, remote and/or hybrid teaching. The framework presented indicates task-based language teaching (TBLT) as an effective approach to help learners participate in successful communication. The paper provides: 1. an overview of current literature on the subject; 2. applicable examples integrated with Flipgrid; 3. data analysis of students’ performance.

Author Biographies

Alessandra Fazio, Università degli Studi Roma Foro Italico

Alessandra Fazio is associate professor in English language and translation and director of the language centre at the University of Rome Foro Italico. Her research interests lie in terminology and applied linguistics, in particular the language of sports and sport sciences, innovative language methodologies using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT) approaches. She has collaborated with the Institute for Studies on Scientific Research and Documentation (CNR) and is vice-president of AICLU (Italian Association of Language Centres) and member of CERCLES (European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education). She has participated in several national and international projects.

Claudia Cremasco, Academic Initiatives Abroad

Claudia Cremasco is co-founder of Academic Initiatives Abroad and is currently its Italian Representative and its Coordinator of Language Instruction. She has taught and coordinated Italian language instruction in Italy and the United States since 1989. In the United States, she has taught at Harvard University and California Polytechnic State University, and was formally recognized for teaching excellence at both universities. In Italy she has taught at the Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, and for numerous American university study abroad programs, including Penn State University, The University of Arkansas, Iowa State University, Northeastern University, and Holy Cross University.

Cover Image for Volume 8 Issue 2 November 2021

Downloads

Published

2021-11-30

How to Cite

Fazio, A., & Cremasco, C. (2021). Distance learning and the development of speaking skills: Challenges and opportunities. EuroAmerican Journal of Applied Linguistics and Languages, 8(2), 70–86. https://doi.org/10.21283/2376905X.14.251

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Research Articles - Special Issue

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2021 Alessandra Fazio

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.