Improving students’ articulatory fluency in English through Speech Smart Module

Abstract

The strategy of learning modules provides meaningful learning experiences to students, and has become a part of all-level teaching. This study sought to evaluate the Speech Smart Module (SSM) and to identify its effect on students' articulatory fluency in the subject of speech and oral communication. This was conceptualized to address students' problems in articulating segmental and suprasegmental sounds of English, lack of self-confidence, and lack of relevant and effective instructional materials. The study employed an experimental research design. The SSM as evaluated by content experts was rated very highly valid as to contents, relevance, acceptability, and instructional quality. Respondents of the study comprised students of Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) at Sultan Kudarat State University. Students were divided into control group (CG) and experimental groups (EG) based on their scores and level in the Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) Placement Test. The SSM was employed as treatment in the EG group while traditional teaching was used in CG. After four (4) months of study, results revealed the effectiveness of SSM as instructional material in improving EGs' articulatory fluency level from poor to excellent whereas the CG had relatively improved from poor to fair. Hence, it is recommended to utilize the SSM among college students and for those who wish to improve their articulatory fluency and communication skills in English in general.