Mechanical Engineering Students Perceived Speaking and Listening Competence: A Self-Assessment

Abstract

Speaking and listening are the four essential macro skills in English as Second Language (ESL) learning. In recent years, education evaluation has become a vital indicator in assessing the outcomes of the education delivery system. In this study, speaking and listening skills of students were assessed by using the Can-do scales. The scope of the study is confined to undergraduate and postgraduate mechanical engineering students with the aim to evaluate their capability in practicing their English language skills, particularly speaking and listening. The respondents are undergraduate and postgraduate students from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). A total of 39 respondents were involved in the survey conducted for this study. It is found that respondents have no difficulties if the conversation is regarding basic topics. Nevertheless, respondents have problems to speak when dealing with unfamiliar topics. The outcomes of this study can be utilised to improve students’ English communication skills. In addition, the teaching method can also be enhanced in order to enable students to communicate their subject matter that is engineering in both academic life and future career.