Using Information Gap Activities to enhance students’ English speaking performance at Ha Tinh University

Abstract

This research aimed to improve the speaking skills of the major first-year students at Ha Tinh University (HTU) by using information gap activities. The research was conducted in two cycles with three meetings for each. Data were collected through observations and tests (the pre-test, the progress test, and the post-test). The actions implemented in this research included applying information gap activities in the learning process, improving students’ vocabulary, speaking out in front of the class, and giving rewards for the best performance. The result showed that the use of information gap activities was of help in improving the students’ speaking skills. The students were more confident in speaking in English. They could retell the story fluently and their vocabulary also increased. Furthermore, the students were actively engaged in the teaching-learning process. They were enthusiastic about doing the activities, and their English-speaking performance also improved.