Enhancing ESL learners\u27 oral communication through use of dicussion strategy: an action research study

Students\u27 oral communication in classroom settings where English is a second language facilitate their development in the use of the language, thereby increase their language store. This is important if they are to use the language meaningfully. However, teaching and learning processes in some english language classrooms in Dar es salaam, Tanzania, revealed inadequate opportunities for developing learners\u27 oral communication. This action research study, therefore, explored how discussion strategy can be used to data collection methods used were interviews, classroom observations, reflective conversations and documentary analysis. Findings from the study suggest that discussion increase the quality ad quatity of oral iinteractions, facilitates learing of new words and creates a positive affective climate in the classroom. However, in order to realize these benefits, the teacher\u27s role is vital i setting clear tasks, providing opportuities for speaking and ensuring a safe and encouraging classroom climate. In addition, teacher\u27s wide knowledge base and skills in pedagogoy ease facilitation effective discussions. Althrough learners\u27 oral communication was enhanced, the prevalent language in use in the school; Kiswahili, still affected the amount of english spokenoutside the classroom. Recommendations and implications for second laguage classroompractice, traditionally dominated by teacher talk,are discussed