Identifying Speaking Strategies Used by EFL Students at the Northern Border University

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the type and the frequency of speaking strategies used by EFL students at the Northern Border University (NBU). Descriptive analytical method was used in this study. The study sample included two hundred ninety (290) undergraduate students (males & females). Participants were selected by means of cluster random sampling from the colleges in three clusters (science colleges, health colleges, and humanity colleges). To achieve the study objectives, a self-report questionnaire was used to elicit information about speaking strategies from the study participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the present study through using the latest version of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that NBU students are not active strategy users. Their overall use of speaking strategies is medium. Significant differences were detected between male and female students in all speaking strategy subcategories in favor of females. In light of the study findings, pedagogical implications as well as some recommendations for needed strategy instruction and suggestions for further research were discussed.