WHATSPEAK: Audiovisual digital assessment in enhancing confident and independent speaking skills

Abstract

Fluent speaking skills in English are considered major requirements in the growth of universal civilization as the fluency of spoken words allow a person to be well understood in the designated area. Learners are expected to forward ideas confidently and independently. However, they faced challenges in managing simple English communication among their circle. Therefore, the implementation of WhatsApp based audiovisual tasks were infused action research to enhance learners' speaking skills. The research was conducted among learners aged eight in a rural primary school in the district of Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. Results were collected from pre-test and post-test, observation and survey. Data revealed that learners were involved actively in collaborative speaking sessions by exchanging ideas confidently and independently. Significantly, their spoken Performance Level improved as they began to socialize and prompt proper language usage in the interactions through the aid of pictures, videos and audios. Researchers had suggested the incorporation of genuine learning and assessment of speaking skills via WhatsApp based audiovisual materials as an effective effort in eventually producing confident and independent English speakers.