THAYIDA PHOLYING (MAHASARAKHAM UNIVERSITY)

BOOSTING SPEAKING PROFICIENCY IN ESP CONTEXTS: THE IMPACT OF TASK-MEDIATED LEARNING APPROACHES : ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC/SPECIFIC PURPOSES

This research investigates the efficacy of Task-Mediated Learning (TML) on university learners’ speaking proficiency within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) contexts. Conducted among second-year undergraduate students majoring in Dramatic Arts and Musical Arts at a university in northeastern Thailand, the study utilized convenience sampling to select 100 participants. These participants were equally divided into control and experimental groups. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study integrated both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively analyze the impact of the TML intervention. Quantitative data analysis used statistical analyses to compare pre-test and post-test scores within and between groups. Qualitative data derived from observational notes underwent thematic analysis to provide insights into the implementation and effectiveness of TML. The synthesis of both data types yielded a holistic understanding of TML’s influence on speaking proficiency, revealing significant enhancements in the TML group compared to the control group, thus emphasizing the efficacy of TML in ESP contexts. Additionally, the study explored learners’ perceptions of task-mediated learning, uncovering positive attitudes towards this pedagogical approach. These findings contribute to improving ESP speaking instruction, highlighting the importance of tailored language acquisition strategies in specialized educational environments. They also offer valuable implications for educational practitioners and policymakers aiming to enhance language teaching methodologies in university settings, particularly within the context of ESP education.

I am Thayida Pholying, a lecturer at Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts. I hold a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Teaching English. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., I have ten years of teaching experience, focusing on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to meet our institution's specialized needs.