Using information gap activities to strengthen the development of oral communication in learners at a beginning level

Abstract

This research work has taken into account the several problems in the use of spoken language that many Ecuadorian students face in their EFL classes. It analyzes theories about communicative methods for teaching and the English National Curriculum. It also suggests some guidelines to foster the development of EFL classes in which learners make use of oral work. Communicative activities are placed as a tool to enhance oral skills in EFL classes where learners’ lack of abilities to use the target language to communicate is evident. Beginning learners are usually the ones who have huge difficulties in performing oral work. For that reason, this research presents communicative activities for learners of this level. The communicative tasks that are studied are Information Gap Activities. These tasks are recommended because of their characteristics and advantages for oral production. It has been considered that a way of supporting beginners’ oral abilities to communicate is to combine the proposed teaching material with the language which they are exposed to in their classes. For that reason, this research includes IGAs based on the content of the course, English Book 1 that is used by teachers and students of public high schools. The main purpose of this investigation then, is to provide information and material to support teaching the oral practice when oral work needs to be performed. It is expected that the suggested IGAs contribute to the development of oral skills in learners at a beginning level.