The Effect of a Topic-Based Paired Conversation Activity on the Confidence of Japanese EFL Students to Utilize English Orally

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the researcher-designed Topic Talk (TT) activity on the students’ confidence to utilize English orally. The research question was: Can topic-based paired conversations utilizing a structured rotation technique improve the confidence in speaking English for EFL students? Mixed-methods research techniques were used in this project. A pre and post intervention survey was used to assess the students’ confidence in their ability to utilize English orally. Qualitative data included teacher observations of student interactions. An item analysis revealed significant positive gains in responses to two survey questions and moderate gains in several others. Observational data revealed that the frequency of L1 use had decreased by the conclusion of the intervention and the average number of students unable to converse decreased significantly by the final week of the intervention. Implications applicable to educators working in similar environments are discussed.