Enhancing Public Speaking Skills among EFL Learners through the Peer Teaching Method: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

This research investigates the effectiveness of the Peer Teaching Method (PTM) in improving public speaking skills among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in a tertiary education setting. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The research involved 25 EFL learners who participated in a peer teaching intervention, which was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention speaking assessments and in-depth interviews. The results showed significant improvements in pronunciation accuracy, vocabulary usage, fluency, and confidence levels and lowering the public speaking anxiety among the participants. The qualitative findings highlighted the supportive and collaborative nature of the peer teaching environment, which fostered a sense of shared responsibility for learning, reduced anxiety, and promoted confidence in public speaking. The research 's findings contribute to the growing body of literature on collaborative learning methods in language education, suggesting that the Peer Teaching Method is a valuable approach for enhancing public speaking skills and promoting psychological readiness among EFL learners.